The preliminary value for the CE Plant Cost Index (CEPCI) for March 2026 (most recent available) rose compared to the previous month’s value. The increase for March 2026 continues a string of monthly rises observed since September of last year. The uptick in March was largely the result of increases in the Equipment and Buildings subindices, although the Construction Labor and Engineering & Supervision subindices also saw increases in March 2026. The current CEPCI value is now 8.1% higher than the corresponding value from March 2025. Meanwhile, the Current Business Indicators show slight decreases in the CPI output index and CPI operating rate for April 2026, and a small increase in output value for March.
2026 CEPCI updates: March (prelim.) and February (final)
| By Scott Jenkins