Inflation · September 14, 2026 · 2 min read

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

Published September 14, 2026 • Updated September 14, 2026

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 0.4 percent month-over-month in August 2026, up from 0.1 percent in July, bringing the 12-month unadjusted headline rate to 3.4 percent. Higher energy prices, led by a 3.9 percent increase in gasoline costs, contributed more than one-third of the monthly headline gain. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.3 percent in August and expanded 2.4 percent over the prior 12 months.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August 2026, following a 0.1 percent advance in July. Over the 12 months ending in August, the all items index rose 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment, maintaining the same annual pace observed for the period ending in July. Energy costs served as a major driver of the monthly acceleration, advancing 2.1 percent over the month. Within energy, the index for gasoline rose 3.9 percent in August and accounted for more than one-third of the total monthly increase across all items. The core Consumer Price Index, which excludes the volatile food and energy categories, increased 0.3 percent in August after a 0.2 percent rise in July. On an unadjusted basis, core CPI advanced 2.4 percent over the 12 months ending in August, down slightly from 2.5 percent in July. Upward monthly pressure in the non-energy categories was observed in communication, lodging away from home, airline fares, education, and used cars and trucks. The index for shelter advanced 0.3 percent during the month following a 0.1 percent increase in July. Meanwhile, the index for food rose 0.1 percent, supported by a 0.3 percent increase in food away from home. Offsetting some of these gains, indexes for medical care and motor vehicle insurance declined in August. Statistical measures across major expenditure divisions indicate that price pressures were concentrated in energy and selected service categories, while broader core inflation continued its gradual moderation on a 12-month trailing basis.

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