FinNotes

U.S. consumer prices rose 0.6% in April 2026 from March on a seasonally adjusted basis, and the 12-month increase reached 3.8%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics release published in May 2026. The same release said the index for all items less food and energy increased 0.4% in April and was up 2.8% from a year earlier.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the energy index rose 3.8% in April and accounted for more than 40% of the monthly increase in the all-items index. Published summaries of the report also noted that the gasoline index was up 28.4% from a year earlier.

April followed an already strong March reading. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ March 2026 release, published in April 2026, showed headline CPI rising 0.9% on the month and 3.3% on the year.

Regional April data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics pointed to broad price pressure. The Midwest CPI-U advanced 0.8% in April, the South region rose 0.8%, and the Northeast region increased 1.0%.

The April report also showed that inflation was not confined to energy alone. Bureau of Labor Statistics summaries said food costs were higher in April, shelter rose 0.6% on the month, and indexes including household furnishings, airfares, personal care, and clothing also increased, while medical care was comparatively mild in that month’s report.