America’s inflation is back at 3%. That’s higher than normal but not out of control

(CNN) — The cost of living got even more expensive for Americans last month, with prices rising at the fastest pace since the start of the year.

Consumer prices rose 0.3% in September, which drove the annual rate of inflation from 2.9% to 3%, the highest it’s been since January, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Friday. Gas prices, which shot up 4.2% for regular unleaded fuel (their highest monthly gain since August 2023), were the biggest culprit behind the monthly increase, BLS data shows.

Plus, food prices rose at a more moderate pace than they did in August (a month when grocery prices leapt by the highest rate in nearly three years).

Economists were expecting that inflation would continue to pick up speed, rising 0.4% for the month and 3.1% from the year before