Energy surge lifts March CPI as core inflation remains restrained

March CPI rose 0.9% to 3.3% year over year, led by a 21.2% spike in gasoline and a 10.9% jump in energy from the Iran conflict; core CPI gained 0.2% for the month and 2.6% annually, signaling contained underlying inflation, with pockets of price declines in medical care, personal care, and used cars. Services excluding energy rose 0.2% and shelter 0.3%. Energy pressures eased in April after a U.S.–Iran cease-fire, and markets expect the Fed to remain patient while watching the broader inflation path toward its target.