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
The FAO Food Price Index for November fell by more than 1 percent in November, marking the third straight month of declines.
Milk output is rising, but steep drops in Class I–IV prices are tightening margins heading into 2026.
Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
Cargill’s commitment to keep plants open helps preserve competition as Tyson removes capacity amid historically tight cattle supplies.
Low farmer shares reflect deep consolidation across the food chain, keeping producer returns thin even as retail food prices remain high.
Tyson’s Nebraska plant closure and falling Cattle on Feed numbers send cattle markets tumbling. Analysts warn of tighter supplies, weak margins, and rising global competition.
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
Lower turkey and wheat prices helped ease Thanksgiving costs, but underlying farm-sector pressures remain significant.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) discusses the USDA’s new cattle plan, ethanol policy, and the broader challenges ahead for rural America.
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
While artificial intelligence, or AI, is reshaping both jobs and messaging in agriculture, CoBank data suggests human expertise still matters.
API said it stands ready to work with Congress to develop a balanced approach to E15 legislation that promotes fuel choice, supports investment certainty, and contributes to a stable and fair marketplace for American consumers.