Energy costs push Midwest CPI upward in June

Driven by higher energy costs, the Midwest Consumer Price Index rose 0.5 percent in June.

The index moved to 225.95 last month, according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics news release.

The CPI – which reflects price changes for energy, food and all other items – is measured in comparison to a base period of 1982-84. A typical market basket of goods and services that cost $100 in 1982-84 cost $225.95 last month. The index is not seasonally adjusted, and items are weighted based on their spending significance in certain areas, according to the BLS.

The energy index climbed 5.9 percent in June, following a 4.3 percent increase in May. A 7.6 percent boost in electricity prices - largely reflecting a shift to seasonal rate schedules - led the index last month, with higher prices also recorded in motor fuel, at 6 percent, and piped utility gas service, 2.6 percent, according to the release.

Food prices rose slightly in June - at 0.1 percent. Costs for food away from home were up 0.2 percent, while food at home ticked up 0.1 percent.

The index for all other items was marked by offsetting costs. Shelter costs rose 0.4 percent and other good and services moved up 0.3 percent. Contrasting those movements were household furnishings and operations, which were down 0.6 percent, and apparel, down 0.5 percent, according to the release.

Compared to June 2014, the Midwest CPI declined 0.7 percent last month.