Inflation rose last month, buoyed by sharp increases in the price of apparel and other nondurables, gasoline, and medical services.
The overall unadjusted consumer price index (CPI) increased 2% in September, up from August’s 1.7% increase.
The core inflation rate, which excludes food and energy, was also up by 2%. Although gasoline prices rose by 6.9% in the month, overall energy price increases were tempered by decreases in electricity rates and natural gas prices.
The price index for apparel and footwear jumped by 2.7%, well above the overall inflation rate, and a full percentage point higher than August’s 1.7% rise.
