Wholesale inflation stayed persistently elevated in November

Rising Wholesale Inflation in the US for November

On January 13, 2026, employees are seen working at an automotive manufacturing facility in Dearborn, Michigan. Photo credit: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Wholesale inflation in the United States accelerated in November, with a significant contribution from surging energy costs, according to data released Wednesday after delays caused by the recent federal government shutdown.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Producer Price Index (PPI) increased by 0.2% in November compared to the previous month, bringing the annual inflation rate to 3%.

Due to the 43-day federal shutdown, many key economic reports were postponed, and the BLS did not issue a separate PPI release for October. The shutdown disrupted the operations of several statistical agencies.

However, the PPI report was able to incorporate more complete data for October, with only the collection and submission of price updates being delayed, according to a note from BLS officials.

In October, a decline in energy prices led to a more modest increase in producer prices, which rose by 0.1% from September and were 2.8% higher than the previous year.

The latest report also revealed that wholesale inflation for September was stronger than earlier estimates, with the annual rate revised upward to 3% from the previously reported 2.7%.

The Producer Price Index tracks the average changes in prices received by producers for their goods and services, offering an early indication of potential future consumer price trends.

This article is being updated as new information becomes available.