US consumer prices climbed in September, with the consumer price index rising 0.6% for the month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The increase pushed the annual inflation rate to 3.7%, exceeding the Federal Reserve's inflation goal.
Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had expected a 0.6% monthly rise and a 3.6% annual increase.
Energy Costs Drive Inflation
Energy prices were the main contributor to the inflation increase, with the energy index rising 5.2%.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported gasoline prices surged 9.1%, accounting for about half of the overall monthly CPI gain.
The energy index increase occurred as tensions between the US and Iran continued during a war launched in late February.
Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy categories, rose 0.3% in September and increased 2.6% from a year earlier.
Food prices were unchanged from the previous month and rose 2.5% annually.
Shelter costs increased 0.4% during the month, while used car and truck prices rose 0.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
