Washington:US annual consumer inflation rose to 3.7% in September, driven by a significant increase in gasoline prices, according to official data. This figure surpassed market expectations of 3.6% and marked an increase from August's rate of 3.4%.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) saw a 0.6% rise in September, up from 0.4% in August. Gasoline prices, which surged 9.1% over the month, were responsible for more than half of this overall monthly increase. Energy prices rose by 5.2%, accelerating from a 2.1% gain the previous month.

Shelter costs also added to the inflationary pressure, increasing by 0.4% after a 0.3% rise in August. Meanwhile, food prices remained steady overall, with a 0.1% decline in grocery prices balancing out a 0.2% increase in dining out costs.

Core inflation, excluding food and energy, climbed to 2.6% annually in September, up from 2.4% in August. The monthly core inflation rate held steady at 0.3%.

Price increases were noted in various categories such as recreation, used cars and trucks, education, airline fares, and apparel. Specifically, used vehicle prices rose 0.7% over the month, airline fares were up 1.2%, and recreation costs increased by 0.5%. Conversely, communication prices decreased by 0.2%.

Annually, energy prices soared 20.4%, with gasoline prices up 34.2% and fuel oil increasing 74.2%. Electricity prices rose 4.4% compared to the previous year, and natural gas prices were up 5%. Food prices saw a 2.5% annual increase, while shelter costs climbed 3.2%.