Today, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released the change in the costs faced by consumers for transportation goods and services, from May 2025 to May 2026, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The annual change in CPI is a measure of inflation.

The CPI for all transportation goods and services rose 9.3% from May 2025 to May 2026. Transportation contributed 37.2% to the 4.2% increase in the price of all goods and services, per the CPI. Gasoline (all types) contributed the most to inflation, rising 40.5% year-over-year and contributing 30.7% to the annual change in the price of all goods and services. By item, the top three contributors to inflation in May 2026 were:

• Gasoline (all types): +30.7%
• Airline Fare: +5.8%
• Motor vehicle maintenance and repair: +1.5%

The top three items dampening transportation’s contribution to inflation in May 2026 were:

• Motor vehicle insurance: -1.3%
• Used cars and trucks (tied for 1st): -1.3%
• Leased cars and trucks: -0.2%
• Car and truck rental (tied for 2nd): -0.2%

For additional information and for interactive charts on transportation's role in the economy and changes (trends) over time, please visit BTS’ Transportation Economic Trends.