Here's the inflation breakdown for September 2026 — in one chart
U.S. consumer prices rose faster in September, with gasoline accounting for over half the monthly increase.
TL;DR
- CPI rose 0.6% in September from August and 3.7% over the 12 months through September.
- BLS said gasoline prices rose 9.1%, accounting for more than half of the monthly increase.
- The monthly gain accelerated from 0.4% in August; shelter prices rose 0.4%.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported CPI increased 0.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis in September, after 0.4% in August. The index rose 3.7% over 12 months. [1] [2]
BLS said gasoline rose 9.1% in September and accounted for over half the monthly increase. Energy rose 5.2%, while shelter rose 0.4%; this describes the index, not every household. [1] [2]
AP also reported the 3.7% annual rate and 0.6% monthly rise. CNBC’s breakdown focused on the category contributions in the report. [2] [3]
The September figures are backward-looking price data and do not determine the Federal Reserve’s next decision. Policy responses remain a separate development. [1] [2]
Why it matters
Energy’s contribution helps explain how inflation affects household costs and rate expectations, while the release itself does not imply a policy decision.
Editor's note
Figures checked against the BLS release; no market prediction or investment advice.