Midwest CPI increases on monthly, yearly basis

The Midwest Consumer Price Index for May increased 0.2 percent month-to-month and 1.6 percent year-to-year.

Last month, the Midwest CPI was 226.57, according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics news release.

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 $226.57 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.

The BLS reports consumer prices in the Midwest were broad-based in upward and downward movements, with a 3.5 percent decrease in piped utility gas services largely offsetting increased prices.

Compared to April, May food prices rose 0.3 percent overall, the energy index increased by 0.3 percent and the index for all other items - such as shelter and recreation - rose 0.2 percent, according to the release.

Compared to May 2013, last month's prices were affected by a 2.6 percent increase in food prices, and a 1.6 percent bump in prices in the category for all other items. Energy prices were unchanged, according to the release.