Midwest consumer prices rise in February

The Midwest Consumer Price Index rose in February to 223.49, a 0.9 percent increase compared to the same month of 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The CPI - which shows 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 $223.49 last month. The index is not seasonally adjusted, and items are weighted based on their spending significance in certain areas. The Midwest region comprises 12 states, including Missouri, Iowa and Kansas.

Prices in the Midwest climbed in February due to a 1.6 percent increase in the food index and a 1.3 percent boost in the category for all other items - which includes shelter and health care. The energy index, which includes motor and household fuels, decreased 3 percent last month compared to February 2012, according to a news release.

Within the energy index, motor fuel prices dropped by 8.6 percent year-to-year, a figure offset by an 11.6 percent increase in the cost of piped utility gas services.

The year-to-year food index increase was led by a 2.3 percent boost in costs for food away from away from home and a 1.2 percent increase in costs for food at home.

Within the category for all other items, shelter costs rose 1.9 percent and medical care rose 2.9 percent to lead the advance, the release said.