In March 2026, core consumer prices in the United States—which exclude food and energy—rose by 0.2% from the previous month. This matched February’s pace and came in just below market expectations for a 0.3% increase.
Transportation services costs advanced by 0.6%, supported by the indirect effects of higher energy prices after the outbreak of war in the Middle East disrupted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Prices also increased solidly for shelter (0.3%), marking the largest gain so far this year, and for apparel (1%).
In contrast, price growth for new vehicles slowed to 0.1%, while prices for used cars and trucks declined sharply by 0.4%. On a yearly basis, core consumer prices were up 2.6%.
