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US retail sales rise 0.8% as gas costs lift prices
In brief
US retail sales rose 0.8% in September 2026, beating the 0.3% economists expected, but much of the gain came from higher gasoline prices, according to Commerce Department data released Thursday, October 15. Separate figures showed producer prices, which track what businesses receive for goods and services, rose 1.3% in the month, the largest increase in about four and a half years.
Retail sales: strong headline, softer core
The Census Bureau put September retail and food services sales at about $745.0 billion, up 0.8% from August and 6.3% from a year earlier. August was revised up to a 1.3% gain. Excluding gasoline stations, sales rose only 0.2%. Retail figures are not adjusted for inflation, so higher prices can make spending look stronger than it is.
So-called core retail sales, which leave out cars, gasoline, building materials and restaurants, edged up 0.1%, Reuters reported. Economists quoted by Reuters expect consumer spending growth to slow toward the end of the year.
Producer prices: energy leads the jump
- Producer prices for final demand rose 1.3% in September and 6.3% over 12 months, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data reported by ABC News.
- Goods prices climbed 2.6%, the biggest rise since that series began in December 2009, Reuters said.
- Energy prices rose 10.8%, with gasoline up 20.3% and diesel up 21% in the month.
The data came a day after a report showed consumer prices up 3.7% from a year earlier. See our summary of the September US inflation report.
To see how rising prices affect your budget, try the inflation calculator or estimate trip costs with the fuel cost calculator.
General news summary, not financial advice. ViralScopeHub is not affiliated with the US government.
Why it matters
When fuel costs push up wholesale prices, shoppers often pay more for groceries and other goods later, and the Federal Reserve watches these numbers before deciding on interest rates.
Related free tools: Inflation Calculator, Fuel Cost Calculator
Sources
- US Census Bureau: Advance Monthly Sales for Retail and Food Services, September 2026
- Reuters (via Investing.com): US producer prices post largest gain in 4-1/2 years; expensive gasoline boosts retail sales
- ABC News: Wholesale prices rise at fastest pace since 2022 as fuel costs climb
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