US Consumer Price Index Rises 3.0% in September

On Friday, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.3% in September on a seasonally adjusted basis, following a 0.4% increase in August. Over the past 12 months, the all-items index increased 3.0% before seasonal adjustment.

Gasoline rose 4.1% in September and was the largest contributor to the monthly increase, as the overall energy index rose 1.5%. The food index increased 0.2%, with food at home up 0.3% and food away from home up 0.1%.

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2% in September, after a 0.3% increase in August. Monthly increases were recorded for shelter, airline fares, recreation, household furnishings and operations, and apparel. The indexes for motor vehicle insurance, used cars and trucks, and communication were among the few to decline.

Year-over-year, the all-items index rose 3.0% in September, after a 2.9% increase in August. The index for all items less food and energy rose 3.0%. The energy index increased 2.8%, while the food index rose 3.1%.

The BLS noted that September CPI data collection was completed before the lapse in appropriations.