September CPI report shows inflation accelerated to 3.7% as energy costs soared

Updated on: October 14, 2026 / 7:54 PM EDT / CBS News

September CPI report shows inflation accelerated to 3.7% as energy costs soared

TL;DR

  • U.S. inflation accelerated to 3.7% in September, up from 3.4% in the previous two months.
  • Soaring energy prices, particularly gasoline, accounted for over half of the monthly CPI increase.
  • Core CPI, excluding energy and gas, rose 2.6% year-over-year, exceeding forecasts.
  • The war in Ukraine and escalating conflicts in the Middle East are cited as drivers of high energy prices.
  • Increased costs for airline fares, shelter, and used cars also contributed to inflation.
  • Nine in 10 Americans consider prices the most important economic factor.
  • The inflation data may prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates again.
  • The Federal Reserve previously hiked rates in September and signaled further increases are likely.