Midwest CPI rises in September

The September Midwest Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers was 221.13, up 1.9 percent from 216.97 in the same month last year.

Month-to-month, the Midwest CPI rose 0.3 percent, following a 0.7 percent increase in August, according to a news release from 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 $221.13 last month. The index is not seasonally adjusted, and items are weighted based on their spending importance in certain areas.

In the Midwest region, which includes Missouri, energy prices for September increased 2.2 percent from the same month in 2011, largely due to a 7.7 percent jump in motor fuel prices. Partially offsetting motor fuel prices were utility gas service prices, which dropped 11.4 percent, and electricity costs, which decreased by 0.8 percent, according to the release.

Last month's food prices increased by 1.2 percent compared to September 2011. Leading the move was a 2.6 percent rise in the cost of food away from home, while prices for food at home increased 0.4 percent, according to the release.

The index for all other items increased 2 percent compared to September 2011. The biggest movers in the category were medical care costs, with a 4.6 percent increase, shelter, 2.1 percent, and recreation, 1.9 percent. Prices for used cars and trucks decreased 1.6 percent and household furnishings and operations were down 0.4 percent.