Midwest CPI rises 1%

The Midwest Consumer Price Index rose 1 percent in December to 221.19 compared to the same month of 2012, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released last week.

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 $221.19 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 year-to-year increase occurred despite a 1.5 percent decrease in the energy index from December 2012, according to a news release.

Within the energy index last month, motor fuel prices dropped 3.5 percent from the same month a year ago, the fifth consecutive month of year-to-year decreases. Piped utility gas service costs decreased 0.5 percent, but electricity prices advanced 1.3 percent.

The food index rose 0.7 percent in December, led by a 1.8 percent bump in prices for food away from home. Prices for food at home were flat from a year ago, the release said.

The index for all other items increased 1.4 percent in December, with shelter costs rising 2.1 percent and medical care costs jumping 2.5 percent.