Inflation Rises in September as Energy Prices Remain High

The Consumer Price Index increased 0.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis in September after rising 0.4% in August, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.7% before seasonal adjustment. 

The index for gasoline rose 9.1% in September, accounting for over half of the monthly all items increase. The energy index increased 5.2% over the month following a 2.1% increase in August. The shelter index rose 0.4% in September after rising 0.3% in August. 

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.3% in September, as it did in August. Indexes that increased over the month include recreation, used cars and trucks, education, airline fares, medical care, and apparel. Conversely, the index for communication was among the small number of major indexes that decreased in September.