Skip to main content
ECON DATATOOLS
← All News

Inflation · September 14, 2026 · 2 min read

U.S. Consumer Price Index Rose 0.4 Percent in August 2026 as Energy Costs Rebounded

By Econ Data Tools Editorial Team

Published September 14, 2026 • Updated September 14, 2026

Reviewed by Gemini source-aware QC (100/100)

The U.S. Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased by 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August 2026, following a 0.1 percent gain in July, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the 12 months ending August 2026, headline inflation remained unchanged at 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment. The monthly acceleration was primarily driven by energy costs, particularly a 3.9 percent rise in gasoline prices, while core inflation—excluding food and energy—rose 0.3 percent month-over-month and 2.4 percent year-over-year.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased by 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August 2026, accelerating from a 0.1 percent increase in July. Over the 12 months ending in August 2026, the all-items index increased by 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment, matching the year-over-year pace observed in July. A primary driver of the monthly headline acceleration was energy costs. The energy index rose 2.1 percent in August following a 1.5 percent decline in the previous month. Within energy, gasoline prices surged 3.9 percent, accounting for more than one-third of the total monthly increase in the all-items index. Meanwhile, the food index recorded a modest 0.1 percent increase over the month, with food away from home rising 0.3 percent while food at home remained unchanged. Over the trailing 12-month period, overall food prices advanced 2.7 percent, while total energy prices were up 16.3 percent. The core Consumer Price Index—which excludes volatile food and energy categories—rose 0.3 percent in August after a 0.2 percent advance in July. On an unadjusted basis, core CPI expanded 2.4 percent over the 12 months ending in August, slowing slightly from the 2.5 percent rate recorded for the period ending July. Within core components, the shelter index increased 0.3 percent over the month. Additional upward contributions were noted in airline fares, lodging away from home, communication, education, and used cars and trucks. Conversely, indexes for medical care services and motor vehicle insurance were among the major components that recorded declines during the period.

Follow the data

Relevant directory links appear to be unassigned.

Sources

Related News

U.S. Consumer Price Index Increases 0.4% in August 2026 as Energy Costs Accelerate

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August 2026, up from 0.1 percent in July. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index grew 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment, remaining unchanged from the annual pace recorded in July. Gasoline prices accounted for more than one-third of the monthly gain, rising 3.9 percent. Meanwhile, core CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.3 percent month-over-month and 2.4 percent on a 12-month basis.

U.S. Consumer Price Index Rises 0.4% in August as Gasoline Prices Accelerate Inflation

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased by 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August 2026, accelerating from a 0.1 percent gain in July. On an unadjusted basis, the headline all-items index rose 3.4 percent over the 12 months ending August, matching the annual pace recorded in the prior month. The monthly increase was primarily driven by energy costs, as gasoline prices jumped 3.9 percent and accounted for over one-third of the headline monthly increase. Meanwhile, core CPI—which excludes food and energy components—rose 0.3 percent month-over-month and 2.4 percent year-over-year, reflecting modest upward pressure in shelter and transportation services.

U.S. Consumer Price Index Rose 0.4 Percent in August 2026 as Energy Costs Rebounded

The U.S. Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.4 percent month-over-month in August 2026 on a seasonally adjusted basis, driven significantly by a 3.9 percent surge in gasoline prices, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the 12 months ending August 2026, total CPI rose 3.4 percent unadjusted, matching the annual pace recorded in July. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.3 percent for the month and 2.4 percent year-over-year.