Midwest CPI drops for 11th straight month

The Midwest Consumer Price Index ticked down 0.2 percent in November from last year, representing the 11th consecutive month of decreases, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The 224 index also was 0.5 percent below the October index of 225.05, according to a 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 $224 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 yearly decrease was largely due to a 15.2 percent drop in the energy index, according to the release.

In that sector, motor fuel prices dropped 23.9 percent in November compared to the same month in 2014. Piped utility gas service costs dropped 19.1 percent, and electricity prices moved up 2.4 percent.

The food index rose 0.8 percent, the smallest year-to-year increase since December 2013. Prices for food away from home increased 2.5 percent, while prices for food at home inched up 0.3 percent, according to the release.

The index for all other items was up 1.4 percent in November, led by higher costs for medical care, at 2.8 percent, and shelter, at 2.3 percent.