Midwest CPI rises 2.2% year to year

The Midwest Consumer Price Index registered at 223.78 in June, a 2.2 percent increase from the same month a year ago but roughly flat from May.

The year-to-year increase was led by a 7 percent jump in energy costs. Within the energy index, piped utility gas service costs rose 18 percent, followed by a 7.2 percent jump in motor fuel prices and a 2.3 percent increase in electricity, according to a news release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The food index was up 1.4 percent in June compared to the same month a year ago. Costs for food away from home rose 2.8 percent and prices for food at home increased by 0.6 percent.

The index for all other items grew by 1.6 percent in June compared to a year ago. Higher prices were recorded in costs for shelter, 2.2 percent, and medical care services, 3.5 percent, the release said.

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 $223.78 last month. The index is not seasonally adjusted, and items are weighted based on their spending significance in certain areas.

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