DPD Reporter:

US inflation rose by more than expected in the year to September, according to official figures, in the final data release before the midterm elections next month.

The pace of price rises increased to 3.7%, up from 3.4% in the 12 months to August.

Inflation was above forecasts, driven by higher petrol prices, which have risen following disruption to Middle East energy supplies due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

The elections are being fought over cost-of-living pressures across the US.

What is inflation?

Inflation is the rate at which the price of products or services increases over time.

For example, if a bottle of milk costs $1 but rises to $1.10 a year later, then annual inflation for bottled milk is 10%.

Officials from the Bureau of Labor Statistics measure inflation through the consumer price index (CPI).