# Energy prices drive inflation rate higher as midterm elections approach

> Energy prices surge ahead of midterms as inflation hits 3.7%.
- Title: Energy prices drive inflation rate higher as midterm…
- Summary: Energy prices surge ahead of midterms as inflation hits 3.7%. September inflation rose 3.7% annually, driven by 9.1% gas price hikes, as elections approach.
- Keywords: inflation, energy prices, federal reserve, midterm elections, cost of living, consumer price index, gas prices, unemployment, news, politics, world, Energy
- Source: Straight Arrow — https://san.com/cc/inflation-rises-in-september-crucial-pre-election-report-shows
- Published: 2026-10-14T12:57:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: inflation, energy prices, federal reserve, midterm elections, cost of living, consumer price index, gas prices, unemployment, news, politics, world
## Inflation accelerates
Consumer prices rose 0.6% from August to September and 3.7% from a year earlier.
## Energy prices surge
Gasoline prices rose 9.1% in September, accounting for over half of the monthly increase.
## Critical election timing
This is the last major inflation reading before the Fed’s next rate decision and the midterms.
## Election cost concerns
47% of voters said cost of living would be the single most important factor in deciding their 2026 votes.
## Party trust gaps
38% of voters trust Democrats to handle cost of living, while 27% trust Republicans on this issue.
## Trump blamed for prices
65% of U.S. adults said higher prices result from Trump’s policies, while 17% approved of his handling.
## Fed rate decision
The Fed may raise rates in December after September’s inflation reading slightly exceeded expectations.
## Energy impact on prices
Higher energy costs are now clearly feeding through to prices for goods and services.
## What happens next
The Fed will likely raise rates in December to address entrenched inflation, as energy prices remain high.
## Key takeaway

September inflation rose 3.7% annually, driven by 9.1% gas price hikes, as elections approach.