Midwest consumer prices rise

The Midwest Consumer Price Index rose 0.4 percent in April to 225.61, up from 224.62 in March, 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 $225.61 last month. The index is not seasonally adjusted, and items are weighted based on their spending significance in certain areas, according to the BLS.

Leading the change were increases in the energy and food indexes.

In April, the energy index moved up 2.6 percent following a 7.7 percent bump in March. Higher motor fuel prices were the primary cause in both increases, with a 7.7 percent jump in April and 20.2 percent boost in March, according to the release.

The food index increased by 0.4 percent. Costs for food at home rose 0.4 percent, while costs for food away from home were up 0.5 percent.

The index for all other items inched up 0.3 percent, led by a 1 percent bump in used cars and trucks, according to the release.