economyTuesday, May 12, 20265 sources

US Inflation Surges to 3.8% as Iran War Drives Energy Prices

In April 2026, US inflation reached a three-year high of 3.8%, driven by soaring energy prices linked to a 10-week war with Iran. Gasoline prices rose 5.4% in April, while consumer prices climbed 3.8% from April 2025. The conflict contributed to a 0.6% monthly increase in prices.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation hit 3.8% in April 2026, the highest level since May 2023. Gasoline prices rose 5.4% in April, according to TASS, while the Labor Department noted that consumer prices climbed 3.8% from April 2025. Al Jazeera reported that petrol prices had surged nearly 30% since last year, conflicting with the 5.4% monthly increase cited by the SCMP. The 10-week war with Iran pushed energy prices higher, contributing to the inflation spike. The SCMP noted that petrol prices rose 5.4% during the month, while the Guardian and BBC World reported that inflation reached 3.8% over the last year. Al Jazeera highlighted the 30% increase in petrol prices since last year, diverging from the 5.4% monthly rise reported by TASS and SCMP. The Labor Department’s data showed that consumer prices rose 0.6% from March 2026, with petrol prices up 5.4% during the month. The conflict in the Middle East has had a direct impact on energy costs, affecting everyday expenses for Americans.

Where Sources Diverge

The Guardian and BBC World report the inflation rate as 3.8% for April 2026, while Al Jazeera states petrol prices rose nearly 30% since last year.

guardian

Prices rose 3.8% over the last year, highest jump since 2023.

al-jazeera

Petrol prices up nearly 30 percent since last year.

TASS reports gasoline prices rose by 5.4% in April 2026, while the SCMP reports petrol prices rose 5.4% during the month.

tass

Gasoline prices in the US rose by 5.4% in April.

scmp

Petrol prices rose 5.4% during the month.

Timelines

US-Iran Confrontation and Geopolitical TensionsUS-Iran Confrontation and Geopolitical Tensions: Economic and Maritime Disputes

Sources

IndependentAl JazeeraMay 12, 09:37 PM
US faces rising costs with Iran war driving energy prices, inflation higher

Consumer prices spike in April, driven by soaring energy costs, with petrol prices up nearly 30 percent since last year.

StateTASSMay 12, 06:56 PM
US inflation hits nearly three-year high due to war with Iran

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, gasoline prices in the US rose by 5.4% in April

IndependentSouth China Morning PostMay 12, 05:44 PM
US consumer inflation jumps as Iran war sends energy prices higher

US consumer prices climbed sharply again last month as the 10-week war with Iran pushed energy prices higher. The Labor Department’s consumer price index rose 3.8 per cent from April 2025, according to data released on Tuesday. On a month-to-month basis, April prices rose 0.6 per cent from March as petrol prices rose 5.4 per cent during the month; the month-over-month gain was down from 0.9 per cent increase from February to March. Labor Department figures showed that petrol prices are up more...

PublicBBC WorldMay 12, 04:55 PM
US inflation jumps to 3.8% as energy costs surge from Iran war

The key measure of US inflation rose in April to its highest level since May 2023 as consumers feel the impact of the Iran war.

IndependentThe GuardianMay 12, 04:37 PM
US inflation jumped to 3.8% in April as war with Iran continues to drive up prices

Prices rose 3.8% over the last year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, highest jump since 2023 Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email US inflation jumped to 3.8% in April as the war in the Middle East continued to drive energy prices and everyday costs for Americans. Prices rose 3.8% over the last year, according to the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest jump since 2023. Continue reading...