Midwest CPI rises 1.8 percent year-to-year

The December Midwest Consumer Price Index increased 1.8 percent to 219.03, compared to 215.17 in the same month last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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 $219.03 last month. The index is not seasonally adjusted, and items are weighted based on their spending importance in certain areas.

During the last year, food prices rose 1.9 percent, the energy index increased by 0.3 percent and the index all other items saw a 2 percent increase, according to a news release.

The year-to-year food index increase was led by a 3.1 percent gain in costs for food away from home, followed by a 1.3 percent increase for food prices at home.

The slight energy index incline was brought on by a 1.5 percent increase in motor fuel prices and a 1.3 percent bump in electricity costs. Offsetting the increases was a 4 percent decrease in piped utility gas service prices, the release said.

Leading the year-to-year increase in the index for all other items was a 4.1 percent rise in the cost of medical care and a 2 percent increase in shelter costs.

The December Midwest CPI decreased by 0.2 percent from 219.48 in November. Month-to-month moves included a 0.3 percent increase in food prices, a 2 percent drop in the energy index and a slight 0.1 percent decrease in the index for all other items, the release said.

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