Midwest CPI rises 0.9 percent

The Midwest Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers increased by 0.9 percent in March, driven largely by a steady rise in motor fuel prices, according to a news release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The BLS divides the CPI into three categories: food, energy and all other items less food and energy, such as apparel, household furnishings, vehicle sales, recreation and shelter.

Motor fuel prices rose by 10.6 percent in March, the seventh consecutive monthly increase.

Overall food prices increased 0.8 percent during the month, though costs for food at home rose 1.1 percent.

The index for all other items increased by 0.2 percent.

During the last year, the Midwest CPI for all urban consumers has risen 2.7 percent, according to the release.

Year-to-date figures, from March 2010 to March 2011:

• The energy index, which includes motor fuel and household fuels, increased by 15.2 percent.
• The food index rose 3 percent.
• The index for all items less food and energy increased by 1.1 percent.

The Midwest region comprises Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.[[In-content Ad]]