Washington, D.C., November 10 (ANI): Consumer inflation in the United States slowed to 0.4% in October 2026 from 0.6% in September, as the pace of increase in energy prices eased sharply, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Tuesday.
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed that prices continued to rise across several categories, including food and medical care, even as overall monthly inflation moderated.
“The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in October after rising 0.6 percent in September,” the BLS said in its official release.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, remained unchanged at 0.3% in October, the same rate recorded in September and August.
Energy prices increased 0.7% in October, significantly slower than the 5.2% rise recorded in September. Gasoline prices rose 1.0% during the month, compared with a sharp 9.1% increase in September.
Electricity prices increased 0.9%, while natural gas prices declined 0.8%.
However, food prices rose 0.5% in October after remaining unchanged in September. Prices of food consumed at home increased 0.4%, while food consumed outside the home became 0.5% more expensive.
Housing costs also continued to contribute to inflation.
“The index for shelter rose 0.3 percent in October, accounting for over thirty percent of the monthly all items increase,” the BLS said.
Shelter inflation eased slightly from 0.4% in September, while rent increased 0.2% during October.
Among other categories, medical care prices increased 0.3%, recreation costs rose 0.8%, and motor vehicle insurance prices increased 0.7%.
In contrast, prices of used cars and trucks declined 1.2% in October after increasing 0.7% in September.
The BLS did not publish the annual inflation rate for October 2026 because comparable data for October 2025 were unavailable following a lapse in government appropriations.
The agency said, “BLS did not collect survey data for October 2025 because of a lapse in appropriations.” (ANI)
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