The consumer price index increased as expected in March in response to the war in Iran, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.

Wall Street awaited insight into how the Middle East conflict affected the economy.

A surge in prices at the pump due to the Iran war has pushed the inflation rate to 3.3%.

The consumer price index was expected to show a 3.3% year-over-year gain in March, according to the Dow Jones consensus.

The consumer price index increased as expected in March in response to the war in Iran, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.

Gasoline prices surged by 21.2% between February and March – the largest monthly increase since the the government began publishing a gasoline price index in 1967.

The Iran war has pushed up gasoline, airline fares and other prices for consumers.

Government report shows gasoline going up by 21.2 percent in March as petrol remains above $4 per gallon despite truce.