Published：May 12, 12:59Last updated：May 13, 06:45

US Inflation Hits 3.8% Amid Iran War

May. 12, 2026 12:59

US consumer prices increased significantly in April 2026, driven by higher energy costs due to the 10-week war with Iran. The US Labor Department reported on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, that the consumer price index rose 3.8% compared to April 2025. Monthly prices rose 0.6% from March, with gasoline prices surging 5.4%. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, core prices rose 0.4% from March and 2.8% from April 2025, indicating relatively modest inflation in other sectors.

Summarized

10News

8Media

May. 13, 2026 02:18

US consumer inflation rose to 3.8% in April, the highest in three years, driven by economic fallout from the Iran war. Energy costs and supply chain disruptions have exacerbated price pressures. The issue has become a political concern for President Trump amid rising living costs.

May. 13, 2026 06:45

Inflation in the United States has sharply accelerated, reaching 3.8% year-on-year in April. This increase reflects the surge in fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East, as well as a significant rise in food prices. The data highlights the economic pressures faced by Americans amid global conflicts and market disruptions.

US inflation surged to 3.8% in April 2026, marking the highest annual increase since May 2023, as energy costs soared due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the spike, with gasoline prices jumping 5.4% monthly and core inflation rising 2.8% year-over-year. President Trump announced plans to suspend fuel taxes to ease consumer burdens amid growing economic pressures. The Korea Herald+2

📈 Energy-Driven Inflation

Gasoline prices rose sharply by 5.4% in April, contributing significantly to the overall inflation spike. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has disrupted global oil supplies, pushing energy costs higher. The International Monetary Fund warned that prolonged hostilities could worsen economic instability worldwide. TASS+2

🛒 Consumer Impact

Rising food and grocery prices outpaced wage growth, squeezing household budgets. Eric Winograd, Chief US Economist at AllianceBernstein, noted that the CPI data reflects mounting challenges for American consumers. Core inflation (excluding food/energy) remained relatively stable at 0.4% monthly. Bloomberg+2

🏛 Policy Responses

President Trump proposed suspending federal fuel taxes to mitigate price pressures. The US Labor Department's report showed the conflict's ripple effects, with supply chain disruptions exacerbating inflation. Political concerns are growing as living costs become a key issue ahead of elections. Tagesschau.de+2

🌍 Global Repercussions

The Iran war has reignited inflation fears globally, with oil price volatility affecting multiple economies. The International Monetary Fund highlighted risks of prolonged market disruptions. Analysts warn that further escalation could deepen the economic fallout. TASS+2

Eric WinogradPresident TrumpUS Labor DepartmentBureau of Labor StatisticsInternational Monetary Fund