Consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in August and were up 3.4 percent from a year earlier, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday, matching July’s annual rate but up sharply from its 0.1 percent monthly gain.

Core prices rose 0.3 percent for the month and 2.4 percent over the year, down from 2.5 percent in July. The monthly increase was slightly higher than economists had expected, while the annual rate matched forecasts.

Energy did much of the work in the monthly number. Gasoline prices rose 3.9 percent in August, accounting for more than one-third of the overall increase, while the broader energy index climbed 2.1 percent. Fuel oil prices jumped 10.1 percent during the month and are up 52.0 percent over the past year, while gasoline prices have risen 27.4 percent. Over the year, energy prices are up 16.3 percent.

Housing also contributed to the increase. Shelter costs rose 0.3 percent in August, following a 0.1 percent increase in July, and are up 3.0 percent over the year. 

For food, prices rose 0.1 percent. Grocery prices were unchanged for the month, while food purchased away from home increased 0.3 percent. Over the year, food prices are up 2.7 percent, with grocery prices up 2.2 percent and restaurant prices up 3.4 percent.

Elsewhere in the report, airline fares rose 2.7 percent for the month and are up 23.4 percent over the year. Medical care fell 0.2 percent, while motor vehicle insurance also fell 0.8 percent and prescription drug prices were unchanged. Used cars and trucks rose 0.4 percent in August, despite being down 2.3 percent over the year.

For households, the comparison that matters most is between prices and paychecks. Inflation at 3.4 percent continues to outpace wage growth, which was running at 3.1 percent in August, meaning consumer prices continued to rise faster than average hourly earnings.

The September index is scheduled for release on October 14.