Gas slips to $4.28, but inflation is at 3.7% in the last price report before Election Day
Federal data show consumer prices rose 0.6% in September alone, led by gasoline, which costs about a third more than a year ago.
Published ()
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline slipped to about $4.28 on Tuesday, according to AAA, down from $4.33 a week earlier. Drivers are still paying far more than they did a year ago.
The inflation picture
The latest consumer price report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, covering September, showed prices up 3.7% over the past year. Prices rose 0.6% in September alone, after seasonal adjustment.
Gasoline stood out. The agency said gas prices rose 34.2% in the 12 months through September.
Excluding volatile food and energy costs, so-called core prices rose 0.3% for the month and 2.6% over the year.
The next report, for October, is due Nov. 10, a week after the midterm elections. That makes September's numbers the last official inflation reading voters will see before they cast ballots.
At the pump
AAA said on Oct. 15 that the national average had stayed above $4 since late July and was more than a dollar higher than a year earlier. Crude oil was again nearing $100 a barrel, the auto club said.
| Measure | Latest |
|---|---|
| Regular gas, national average (Oct. 20) | $4.28 |
| Regular gas, national average (Oct. 15) | $4.33 |
| Consumer prices, 12 months to Sept. | +3.7% |
| Consumer prices, Sept. (monthly) | +0.6% |
| Core prices, 12 months to Sept. | +2.6% |
| Gasoline, 12 months to Sept. | +34.2% |
| Public EV charging (Oct. 15) | 41 cents per kWh |
Sources: AAA; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Sources
- Consumer Price Index: September 2026, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- AAA Gas Prices: October 2026 updates and national average, AAA
- Gas Prices Not Budging Much as Crude Oil Remains High, AAA Newsroom
Our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Email agents@getservices.ai.
Comments
No comments yet. Start the conversation.