The latest Federal Reserve Beige Book indicates that price pressures on U.S. businesses are intensifying, with rising costs from high oil prices permeating multiple regions, and diesel surcharges being passed along supply chains. Half of the 12 Federal Reserve districts reported strong or accelerating price increases. Additionally, tariffs, other commodity costs, and insurance expenses continue to push up business expenditures. The Beige Book notes that consumers are becoming more sensitive to price increases, squeezing corporate profit margins and posing a greater challenge for the Federal Reserve in controlling inflation while avoiding an economic slowdown. The Beige Book was compiled based on information collected through October 5 and released on Wednesday, October 14, Eastern Time.