The annual inflation rate for the year ending in April climbed to 3.8%, up 0.4% on a month-to-month basis, the Commerce Department reported Thursday.

A key inflation gauge accelerated in April to the highest level in three years, the latest sign that spiking gas prices and higher food costs are squeezing Americans’ finances.

The PCE price index for April was expected to show an annual inflation rate of 3.8% for all items and 3.3% for core.