Prices paid by U.S. consumers rose more than forecast in September as food and energy costs climbed, while core measures showed inflation remains contained.

The 0.3 percent increase followed a 0.1 percent decline in August prompted by falling oil prices, the Labor Department said today in Washington. So-called core producer prices, which exclude fuel and food costs, rose 0.2 percent for a second month in line with forecasts.

With inflation under control, Federal Reserve policy makers have leeway to...