U.S. Inflation Ticks Up in August as Food and Housing Costs Climb

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4 percent in August, led by higher shelter, food, and gasoline prices. Year over year, inflation is up 2.9 percent.

energy pkg.jpg

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) – Consumer prices rose faster than expected in August, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday. That brought annual inflation to 2.9 percent, up from July’s 2.6 percent.

Food and shelter were the biggest drivers. Grocery prices jumped 0.6 percent last month, while restaurant meals rose 0.3 percent, pushing food inflation to 3.2 percent over the year. Housing costs climbed 0.4 percent in August and are now up 3.6 percent compared with a year ago.

Energy prices rose 0.7 percent, led by gasoline, though natural gas costs fell. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, increased 0.3 percent in August and 3.1 percent year-over-year.

The report also showed increases in airline fares, used cars, and apparel, while medical care and recreation costs edged lower.

Related Stories
A smaller U.S. turkey flock and resurgent avian flu have tightened supplies, driving prices higher even as other key holiday foods show mixed trends.
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
The Senate has cleared a path to reopen USDA, but full restoration of services depends on House approval and the President’s signature.
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
Pork producers should prioritize health and productivity gains, hedge feed and hogs selectively, and watch Brazil’s export pace and China’s sow policy for price signals.
Expect modest relief on several produce lines, mixed protein trends into holiday buying, and softer veg-oil costs — a good week to sharpen forward buys selectively.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Fertilizer relief may be limited despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz this week. AgriSompo’s Brooks York discusses marketing strategies, crop insurance considerations, and other tips for producers navigating volatility this planting season.
Overall, the report suggests a shift toward more comfortable supply levels, with demand emerging as a key factor to watch in the months ahead.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold with the University of Nebraska joined us to explain public health in rural communities and highlight resources residents can access to stay healthy
ASFMRA’s Howard Halderman gives an update on Corn Belt farmland values, buyer activity, and what to expect for the rest of 2026 as geopolitical tensions and bridge payments move
Farmers this year will finally be able to update their base acres with the USDA, something that experts warn must be done with complete accuracy.
Fewer interruptions could translate to improved efficiency—and fewer costly delays when timing matters most.