world-economy

US Wholesale Inflation Hits Two-Year High as Energy Surge Pressures Freight Costs

US wholesale inflation accelerated to its fastest pace since 2022 in April, driven by surging energy prices. These costs are rippling through transportation and logistics operations. The producer price index climbed 6% year-over-year, while the core measure excluding food and energy rose 5.2%, marking the largest advance in more than three years. Energy cost pressures tied to oil-market tensions pushed import and export prices to their highest levels since 2022. The acceleration in fuel costs is expected to increase freight transportation expenses across supply chains. Consumer-level inflation also quickened, with the CPI rising 3.8% year-over-year in April, the fastest increase since 2023. The confluence of wholesale and retail price pressures suggests freight operators and shippers face sustained cost headwinds in coming months.