# Inflation jumps to 3.7% as energy prices spike

> Rising gasoline and heating oil costs pushed September inflation higher, triggering a Social Security benefit increase but leaving workers' wages behind.
- Title: Inflation jumps to 3.7% as energy prices spike · NPR
- Summary: Rising gasoline and heating oil costs pushed September inflation higher, triggering a Social Security benefit increase but leaving workers' wages behind…
- Keywords: inflation, social security, energy prices, labor department, wages, federal reserve, cost of living, news, jumps, energy, prices, spike
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/10/14/nx-s1-6000593/inflation-consumer-prices-cpi-social-security-benefits
- Published: 2026-10-14T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: inflation, social security, energy prices, labor department, wages, federal reserve, cost of living, news
## September inflation hits three point seven percent
Consumer prices rose three point seven percent from a year ago, according to a Labor Department report released Wednesday. That's a larger annual increase than August.
## Energy prices drive the spike higher
Rising gasoline and diesel prices pushed inflation up. Heating oil costs jumped seventy four percent in the last year, straining families in New England who rely on it for warmth.
## Core inflation also climbs
Stripping out volatile energy and food prices, core inflation was two point six percent in September, a bigger annual increase than August. The artificial intelligence boom raised memory chip costs.
## Social Security benefits rise three point six percent
The Social Security Administration announced benefits will increase by three point six percent next year, based on prices in July, August and September. The average recipient gets an extra seventy five dollars monthly.
## Seniors divided on whether raise is enough
AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan said the increase helps millions keep up with rising costs. But Max Richtman of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare said it won't be enough for most seniors…

> It won't be enough for most seniors to even tread water financially.
## Wages lag far behind inflation
Average wages in September rose just three percent, so typical workers' buying power has eroded over the last year. Economist Brian Bethune said workers are saying something isn't right with that.

> I'm working harder. I'm more productive. And this is not a square deal.
## Fed faces pressure to raise rates
Beth Hammack of the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank warned that repeated supply shocks could entrench inflation if people expect higher prices and raise them preemptively. The Fed meets in two weeks to discuss interest rates.

> This could be a sign that an inflationary mindset is taking hold.
## Key takeaway

September inflation hit three point seven percent, driven by energy prices, prompting a three point six percent Social Security raise but leaving wage growth at just three percent.