The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.4% in August, following a 0.1% increase in July. Over the past 12 months, the unadjusted all-items index advanced 3.4%, matching the annual pace recorded in the previous month.

The gasoline index surged 3.9% in August, contributing to more than one-third of the overall monthly gain in the all-items index. The broader energy index climbed 2.1% for the month, while the shelter index rose 0.3% in August after a modest 0.1% increase in July. The food index edged up 0.1% for the month, with the food-away-from-home component advancing 0.3%.

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, the core index rose 0.3% in August, accelerating from a 0.2% gain in the prior month. Notable increases were recorded across communications, lodging away from home, airline fares, education, and used cars and trucks. Conversely, the medical care index and motor vehicle insurance index were among the key decliners for the month.

On an annual basis, the all-items index held steady at 3.4% through August, unchanged from the 12-month period ending in July. The core index, excluding food and energy, rose 2.4% over the past 12 months, a slight cooling from the 2.5% annual gain recorded in the previous period. The energy index surged 16.3% year-over-year, while the food index increased 2.7% over the same timeframe.

The food index advanced 0.1% in August, matching July's performance, with the food-at-home component remaining flat for the month. Among the six major grocery store food group indices, four posted increases in August. The meats, poultry, fish, and eggs index edged up 0.1% for the month, driven by a 2.9% jump in the eggs index. The other food-at-home index also rose 0.1% in August.

The nonalcoholic beverages index increased 0.2% for the month, while the dairy and related products index advanced 0.3%. The cereals and bakery products index was flat in August. In contrast, the fruits and vegetables index declined 0.4% in August, marking its third consecutive monthly drop. The lettuce index continued its downward trend, falling 6.2% in August following a 16.4% decline in July.

The food-away-from-home index rose 0.3% in August, with the full-service meals index climbing 0.4% while the limited-service meals index remained unchanged. Over the past 12 months, the food-at-home index rose 2.2%, with the other food-at-home index up 2.4% and fruits and vegetables gaining 3.2% year-over-year.

The nonalcoholic beverages index advanced 3.7% over the 12 months ending in August, while cereals and bakery products increased 2.6% during the same period. The meats, poultry, fish, and eggs index climbed 1.1% over the past year. In contrast, the dairy and related products index fell 0.3% year-over-year. The food-away-from-home index rose 3.4% annually, with full-service meals up 3.5% and limited-service meals advancing 3.2%.

The energy index rose 2.1% in August after declining 1.5% in July. The gasoline index jumped 3.9% for the month, though on an unadjusted basis gasoline prices rose 2.5% in August. Conversely, the natural gas index fell 1.1% in August, while the electricity index declined 0.2%. Over the past year, the energy index has surged 16.3%, largely driven by a 27.4% increase in the gasoline index. The natural gas index rose 4.4% and electricity increased 3.8% over the 12 months ending in August.

The core index, excluding food and energy, rose 0.3% in August following a 0.2% gain in July. The shelter index increased 0.3% for the month compared to 0.1% in the prior month. The owners' equivalent rent index rose 0.2% in August, with the rent index also climbing 0.2%. The lodging away from home index surged 2.4% in August after falling 2.8% the previous month.

The communications index jumped 2.3% for the month following a 0.6% increase in July. Airline fares rose 2.7% in August, while the education index advanced 0.8%. Used cars and trucks gained 0.4% and new vehicles rose 0.3% during the month. The personal care index and household furnishings and operations index also recorded gains in August.

The medical care index dropped 0.2% in August after rising 0.4% in July. Dental services declined 0.6% for the month, while hospital services, physician services, and prescription drugs all remained flat. The motor vehicle insurance index fell 0.8% in August, following a 0.3% decline in the prior month. The apparel index was unchanged in August, as was the recreation index.

Over the past 12 months, the core index excluding food and energy has risen 2.4%. The shelter index has gained 3.0% over the past year. Other notable annual increases include airline fares surging 23.4%, recreation up 2.7%, medical care advancing 1.6%, and personal care climbing 3.8%.

On an unadjusted basis, the CPI-U rose 3.4% over the past 12 months, reaching an index level of 334.980 on a 1982-1984 base of 100. For the month, the index rose 0.3% before seasonal adjustment. The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) advanced 3.5% year-over-year to 328.481, with a 0.4% monthly increase before adjustment.

The Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) rose 3.3% over the past 12 months and increased 0.3% on a seasonally unadjusted basis for the month. Indices for the past 10 to 12 months remain subject to revision. The September CPI report is scheduled for release on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 8:30 AM Eastern Time.