U.S. consumer prices increased 0.6% in September after a 0.4% August rise, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on October 14. Prices were 3.7% above their level a year earlier, compared with August’s 3.4% annual increase.

Gasoline rose 9.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis and accounted for more than half of the monthly increase. The broader energy index gained 5.2%. Shelter costs increased 0.4%, adding another source of pressure on household budgets.

Food prices were flat overall, but that average concealed different movements: groceries fell 0.1% while meals away from home increased 0.2%. Excluding food and energy, prices rose 0.3% in September and 2.6% over twelve months.

In a separate release, BLS said inflation-adjusted average hourly earnings fell 0.5% in September. Nominal hourly pay increased 0.1%, which was smaller than the monthly consumer-price rise. Real average weekly earnings also declined 0.5%, with the average workweek unchanged.

The figures describe national averages, not the price change faced by every family or city. Differences in fuel use, housing arrangements and spending patterns can produce different household experiences. The next monthly CPI and real-earnings releases are scheduled for November 10.