US consumer inflation surged to a three-year high in April, driven largely by a sharp rise in energy costs following escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, according to data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbed 3.8% year-on-year in April, up from 3.3% in March, marking a notable acceleration in price pressures across the economy, reported AFP citing official figures. The spike is largely attributed to disruptions in global energy markets amid heightened conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which has raised concerns over crude oil supply stability.
Tensions in the region have intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint through which nearly 20% of global oil and natural gas trade flows under normal conditions. Any disruption in this corridor has a direct impact on global fuel prices, contributing to volatility in energy markets.
Reflecting this pressure, the US energy price index surged 17.9% year-on-year in April, the steepest increase among all major CPI categories. Food prices also continued their upward trend, rising 3.2% compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, core inflation—which excludes volatile food and energy components—rose to 2.8% in April from 2.6% in March, suggesting that price pressures are broadening beyond just energy shocks.
The persistent inflation has kept US households under financial strain since the pandemic period, while policymakers continue to grapple with restoring price stability. The US Federal Reserve, which targets a 2% inflation rate, has signaled that additional interest rate hikes could still be on the table if inflation remains stubbornly elevated.
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