US Consumer Prices Rise 3.7 Percent in September Driven by Gasoline

US consumer prices rose 3.7 percent in the year through September 2026, the Labor Department reported. The figure is up from 3.4 percent in August. Gasoline prices accounted for more than half of the monthly increase.

Average US gasoline prices have stayed at or above $4 a gallon for 167 days this year, a longer stretch than any recorded during the previous administration. Before the conflict with Iran, the national average was under $3. Inflation has outpaced wage growth for six consecutive months. Wages rose 3 percent over the same 12-month period.

The September reading is the last major inflation snapshot before the November midterm elections. President Trump has said the economy is performing well despite the numbers. Critics have linked the rise to energy costs from the Iran conflict and to tariffs. A deal to buy Russian diesel was announced last week, yet prices have not fallen.

CNN’s personalized inflation calculator shows that the national rate masks large differences by household spending patterns. Households that drive more or heat with oil have seen larger increases. Cumulative price rises since 2019 stand at roughly 30 percent for many common baskets, according to private analyses cited by major outlets.

The Federal Reserve has not released a new statement on the September figure. Markets have priced in a lower probability of an immediate rate cut. S&P 500 futures declined on the day of the release as technology shares fell for a second session. Wholesale inflation data also came in higher than expected.

No official breakdown by city or income group has been published beyond the national aggregates. Energy remains the dominant driver in the latest monthly change.