General · 12 May 2026
US inflation up 3.8% because of energy costs

Americans' wages no longer outpace prices, marking the first time in 36 months costs are rising faster than earnings. US consumer prices increased 3.8% in April, the quickest rate since May 2023, mainly due to surging energy costs. This 3.8% figure, up from 3.3% in March, makes a Federal Reserve interest rate reduction this year less likely.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs
