US inflation rises to 3.7% as petrol prices climb
The annual inflation rate exceeded economists’ forecast, while September’s monthly rise matched their prediction.
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US consumer prices were 3.7% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, up from 3.4% in August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Wednesday. The increase comes ahead of the 3 November midterm elections, as the cost of living remains a political concern. [2] [3]
The annual figure was above the 3.6% forecast in a Reuters survey of economists. But the 0.6% rise in prices from August to September matched the survey’s rounded monthly forecast. The previous month’s increase was 0.4%. [2] [3]
Petrol accounted for more than half of September’s overall monthly price rise, according to the bureau. Its price index climbed 9.1% over the month and was 34.2% higher than a year earlier. [2]
The increase was not confined to fuel. The measure excluding food and energy rose 2.6% over the year to September, compared with 2.4% in August, while the food index was unchanged over the month. Petrol drove much of the latest monthly rise, but its contribution should not be mistaken for an explanation of the entire annual inflation rate. [2]
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