Gas Prices Drive U.S. Inflation to Highest Rate Since 2023
In April, the U.S. inflation rate surged to 3.8% year-over-year, largely due to rising gas prices amid the Iran conflict, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis, with energy prices accounting for over 40% of the monthly increase. The shelter and food indexes also saw significant rises, contributing to the overall inflationary pressure. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, rose by 2.8% over the year. The inflation report highlights the financial strain on employees, as real average hourly earnings decreased by 0.5% from March to April.