Inflation report released before midterm elections shows prices rising faster than expected

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its last inflation report before the midterm elections on Thursday. The report showed that prices rose 3.7% compared to last year. From August to September, prices went up 0.6%, the biggest monthly rise in five months. Economists had expected a smaller increase. Diesel fuel prices hit record highs and pushed costs up across many categories, including food and clothing. This happened because diesel powers the trucks that carry most consumer goods. A war in Iran has contributed to higher diesel prices. The report came about three weeks before voting day, when many Americans are already worried about the cost of living.