Inflation · September 15, 2026 · 2 min read

U.S. Consumer Price Index Increases 0.4 Percent in August 2026 as Energy Costs Rise

Published September 15, 2026 • Updated September 15, 2026

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August 2026, following a 0.1 percent increase in July. Over the 12 months ending in August, the all-items index grew by 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment. The monthly acceleration was primarily driven by energy costs, with the gasoline index advancing 3.9 percent and accounting for more than one-third of the overall increase.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its August 2026 Consumer Price Index report on September 11, 2026, highlighting a monthly acceleration in overall consumer price levels. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.4 percent month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted basis, up from the 0.1 percent advance recorded in July 2026. On an unadjusted basis, the 12-month change in the all-items index stood at 3.4 percent, matching the annual inflation rate observed in the prior month. A significant contributor to the monthly gain was the energy component, which expanded 2.1 percent in August. Within energy, gasoline prices rebounded significantly, rising 3.9 percent over the month and contributing over one-third of the total headline monthly increase. Electricity prices fell 0.2 percent and natural gas prices declined 1.1 percent, partially offsetting gains in liquid fuels. The food index experienced moderate movement, rising 0.1 percent in August following steady readings in grocery categories. Indexes outside of food and energy showed mixed movements across major spending categories. The shelter index grew 0.3 percent over the month, reflecting a modest deceleration compared to prior periods, with its annual rate reaching 3.0 percent. Additional monthly increases were recorded in communication prices, which surged 2.3 percent, airline fares, which climbed 2.7 percent, educational services at 0.8 percent, and used cars and trucks, which edged up 0.4 percent. Monetary authorities continue to monitor these metrics to assess broader price pressures across the domestic economy. While energy volatility accounted for much of the short-term movement in headline inflation, core measures remain under close analysis by policymakers evaluating ongoing macroeconomic conditions and structural price trends.

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