Inflation · September 15, 2026 · 2 min read

U.S. Consumer Price Index Rose 0.4 Percent in August 2026 Driven by Energy Costs

Published September 15, 2026 • Updated September 15, 2026

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

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) 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 past 12 months, the overall index rose 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment, matching the annual rate recorded for the period ending in July. A 3.9 percent surge in the gasoline index accounted for over one-third of the monthly headline increase, while the broader energy index rose 2.1 percent over the month. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.3 percent in August and 2.4 percent year-over-year, its smallest annual increase since 2021.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) expanded by 0.4 percent in August 2026 on a seasonally adjusted basis, picking up pace from a 0.1 percent rise in July. Over the trailing 12 months, headline inflation remained unchanged from the prior month at 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment. The index for all items less food and energy, commonly referred to as core CPI, rose 0.3 percent in August following a 0.2 percent advance in July. On an annualized basis, core price growth decelerated slightly to 2.4 percent, representing its lowest 12-month change since 2021.\n\nEnergy commodities were the largest driver of headline monthly inflation. The gasoline index jumped 3.9 percent in August, generating more than one-third of the total monthly increase for all items. The overall energy index climbed 2.1 percent for the month and stands 16.3 percent higher than August 2025 levels. Meanwhile, food prices edged up 0.1 percent in August, reflecting a 0.3 percent increase in food away from home alongside flat food-at-home prices. Shelter costs rose 0.3 percent during the month after a 0.1 percent rise in July.\n\nIndexes that saw upward movement during August included communication, lodging away from home, airline fares, education, and used cars and trucks. In contrast, major indexes that registered monthly declines included medical care and motor vehicle insurance. Although the annual trend in core inflation reflects ongoing moderation across underlying core expenditure categories, elevated energy price increases created top-line pressure during August. Official statistics remain subject to regular methodology revisions and seasonal adjustment updates.

Follow the data

Relevant directory links appear to be unassigned.

Sources

bls.gov — Gemini Google Search-grounded supporting source.
bls.gov — Gemini Google Search-grounded supporting source.

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.