US CPI Inflation Rises to 3.8 Percent in April 2026

U.S. The index increased 3.8 percent over the 12 months through April, compared with a 3.3 percent gain in the 12 months through March. The year-over-year rate had stood at 2.4 percent as recently as February. It edged up to 2.4 percent again in January after finishing 2025 at 2.7 percent in both November and December.

The rate began climbing in the second half of 2025, reaching 3.0 percent in September. Monthly readings show the pace of increase picked up noticeably in March and April of this year. The data indicate inflation moved above the levels recorded for much of the prior 12 months.

2025 through February 2026 the year-over-year CPI reading fluctuated between 2.3 percent and 3.0 percent. The rate held steady at 2.7 percent for July, August, November and December 2025. It then fell back to 2.4 percent for January and February 2026 before the March jump to 3.3 percent.

Officials release the CPI report monthly, providing a consistent gauge of price changes across a basket of consumer goods and services.