Inflation · September 15, 2026 · 2 min read

BLS Reports August 2026 Consumer Price Index Rose 0.4 Percent Monthly as 12-Month Rate Held at 3.4 Percent

Published September 15, 2026 • Updated September 15, 2026

Reviewed by Gemini source-aware QC (95/100)

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, following a 0.1 percent gain in July. Over the 12 months ending August 2026, headline CPI inflation held steady at 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment. Energy prices were a key driver of the monthly acceleration, led by a 3.9 percent rise in gasoline costs, 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 (BLS) published the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for August 2026 on September 11, 2026. According to the official release, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis during August, accelerating from a 0.1 percent increase recorded in July. Over the trailing 12-month period ending August 2026, the all-items index rose 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment, matching the annual rate observed in July. Energy prices served as a primary driver of the monthly headline price growth. The overall energy index rose 2.1 percent in August, boosted by a 3.9 percent gain in the gasoline index, which alone accounted for over one-third of the total monthly increase in the headline CPI-U. On an unadjusted 12-month basis, the energy index was up 16.3 percent for the period ending August 2026. Meanwhile, the index for food increased 0.1 percent during the month, reflecting a 0.3 percent rise in food away from home, bringing the 12-month food index increase to 2.7 percent. Excluding volatile food and energy categories, the core CPI rose 0.3 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August, compared to a 0.2 percent advance in July. On an annualized basis, core inflation moderated slightly, rising 2.4 percent over the 12 months ending August 2026 after a 2.5 percent reading in July. Within core components, the shelter index increased 0.3 percent over the month, following a 0.1 percent gain in July. Additional upward pressure was noted in communication, lodging away from home, airline fares, education, and used cars and trucks. Conversely, declines were recorded in medical care services and motor vehicle insurance. The unadjusted CPI-U reached an index level of 334.980 (1982-84=100) in August 2026. The BLS is scheduled to issue the next CPI release, covering data for September 2026, on October 14, 2026.

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.
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.