August CPI rises 0.4% as energy and gasoline lead; core up 0.3%

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on September 11 that consumer prices rose 0.4% in August on a seasonally adjusted basis, following a 0.1% increase in July. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, or CPI-U, was up 3.4% over the past 12 months, unchanged from July's annual rate.

Headline CPI-U print

On September 11, 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Consumer Price Index for August 2026 (USDL-26-1496). The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August after rising 0.1 percent in July. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment — the same 12-month rate as for the period ending July.

Core inflation path

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.3 percent in August after increasing 0.2 percent in July. Over the year, the all items less food and energy index rose 2.4 percent, following a 2.5 percent increase over the 12 months ending July.

Energy, gasoline, shelter, and food

The energy index increased 2.1 percent over the month. Gasoline rose 3.9 percent in August and accounted for over one third of the monthly all-items increase. Within energy services, natural gas decreased 1.1 percent and electricity fell 0.2 percent. Over the 12 months ending August, the energy index increased 16.3 percent, and gasoline (all types) was up 27.4 percent.

The shelter index rose 0.3 percent in August after rising 0.1 percent in July. The food index increased 0.1 percent over the month; food away from home increased 0.3 percent, while food at home was unchanged. Over the year, food rose 2.7 percent (food at home +2.2 percent; food away from home +3.4 percent).

Other major indexes

Indexes that increased over the month include communication, lodging away from home, airline fares, education, and used cars and trucks. Medical care and motor vehicle insurance were among major indexes that decreased in August. The medical care index decreased 0.2 percent in August after rising 0.4 percent in July.

CPI-W, C-CPI-U, and next release

The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 3.5 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 328.481 (1982-84=100); for the month, CPI-W increased 0.4 percent prior to seasonal adjustment. The Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) increased 3.3 percent over the last 12 months and 0.3 percent for the month on a not seasonally adjusted basis; past 10–12 months remain subject to revision. The CPI-U all-items index level referenced alongside the CPI-W figure is 334.980.

The next Consumer Price Index release is scheduled for September 2026 data on October 14, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.