U.S. — The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Wednesday that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.6 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in September 2026. Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the all items CPI-U index increased 3.7 percent before seasonal adjustment.

The gasoline index rose 9.1 percent in September 2026, contributing to a 5.2 percent increase in the energy index for the month. The shelter index rose 0.4 percent, while the recreation index increased 0.5 percent.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI-U, all items) was 336.940 in September 2026.

The food index was unchanged in September 2026, as the index for food at home fell 0.1 percent and the index for food away from home increased 0.2 percent. The communication index declined 0.2 percent, and the index for household furnishings and operations was unchanged.

Indexes that increased in September 2026 include used cars and trucks, education, airline fares, medical care, and apparel. The used cars and trucks index rose 0.7 percent, the education index increased 0.6 percent, and the index for airline fares increased 1.2 percent.

Within the shelter category, the index for owners’ equivalent rent rose 0.3 percent in September 2026, the index for rent increased 0.2 percent, and the lodging away from home index rose 2.0 percent. The index for apparel rose 0.3 percent.

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the all items less food and energy index rose 2.6 percent, the energy index increased 20.4 percent, and the food index increased 2.5 percent. The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 3.9 percent over the same period, and the Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) increased 3.5 percent.

Why It Matters

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) represents the spending patterns of over 90% of the U.S. population, including professionals, the self-employed, the poor, the unemployed, and retired individuals.

October and November 2025 CPI data values are not available due to the 2025 lapse in appropriations.