US consumer prices rose 0.6% month-over-month in April 2026, in line with market expectations, following a 0.9% jump in March—the largest monthly increase since 2022. Energy prices climbed 3.8% in April, after a 10.9% surge the previous month, driven by the war involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Shelter costs increased 0.6%, accelerating from a 0.3% gain in March. Food prices were up 0.5%, with prices for food at home rising 0.7% and food away from home up 0.2%.
Other categories posting increases in April included household furnishings and operations, airline fares, personal care, apparel, and education. By contrast, the indexes for new vehicles, communication, and medical care declined. The core consumer price index, which excludes food and energy, advanced 0.4%—the largest gain since January 2025 and above the 0.3% increase expected by analysts.
