Midwest CPI registers largest monthly increase in four years

The consumer price index in the Midwest rose 1.1 percent in February, the largest month-to-month increase since June 2009.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows a February Midwest CPI of 221.6, up from 219.28 in January. Compared to February 2012, the Midwest CPI increased by 2.2 percent, according to a 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 $221.60 last month. The index is not seasonally adjusted, and items are weighted based on their spending significance in certain areas.

Motor fuel prices led the month-to-month increase with a 13.7 percent jump, the largest gain since June 2009, the release said.

The overall energy index increased by 8 percent in February after four consecutive months of declines. Costs for electricity rose 0.9 percent, partially offset by a 0.9 percent decrease in prices for piped utility gas service.

The index for all other items increased in February by 0.4 percent, its largest one-month gain in nearly four years. The rise was led by increases in apparel, at 1.8 percent, used vehicles, 0.6 percent, medical care, 0.5 percent, and shelter, 0.3 percent, the release said.

Food prices - both away from and at home - registered little change last month.

The Midwest region comprises Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.