Midwest CPI drops in December, up year-to-year

Consumer prices dropped in December in the Midwest and across the country, according to information released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Midwest CPI was 205.6 in December, down 0.3 percent from November. The index was up 3 percent from December 2008, which was the lowest CPI in 18 months.

The largest drop in Midwest prices was in gasoline, which dropped 2.6 percent for the month. Regional prices also dropped in apparel, recreation, transportation, housing costs and fuels and utilities. Food and beverage prices rose 0.3 percent for the month, while medical care costs held steady.

On a year-to-year basis, gas prices were up 56 percent, while transportation costs rose 15 percent. Medical care costs rose 3.6 percent for the year, while fuels and utility costs dropped 5.1 percent. Other categories basically held steady on a year-to-year basis.

The Consumer Price Index is based on average prices from 1982-84, which are set at an index level of 100. For example, average prices that are twice the level of 1982-84 would have an index of 200.