New Delhi, Oct. 14 -- US consumer inflation was hotter than anticipated in September, government data showed Wednesday, as Washington's war with Tehran pushed energy costs higher, deepening strains on American households ahead of next month's midterm elections.

The uptick underscores voter worries over high costs of living, and comes as President Donald Trump is campaigning in US states to shore up support for his Republican party as it tries to retain control of Congress.

Still, the consumer price index (CPI) was up more than analysts expected in September, rising 3.7 percent on a year-on-year basis, said the Department of Labor.

This was a notable acceleration from the 3.4 percent reading in August. Economists had forecast a slightly...