Midwest CPI rises year-to-year, drops from October

The November Midwest Consumer Price Index was 219.48, a roughly 2 percent increase compared to 215.65 in the same month of 2011, 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 $219.48 last month. The index is not seasonally adjusted, and items are weighted based on their spending importance in certain areas.

Last month's CPI reading in the Midwest also represents a 0.4 percent decrease month-to-month. In October, the Midwest CPI was 220.38.

The month-to-month decrease in November was led by a 7.4 percent drop in motor fuel prices. The overall energy index was down 4.2 percent, decreasing for the second consecutive month. Partially offsetting the decrease was a 4 percent increase in prices for piped utility gas service, according to a news release.

Compared to the same month last year, November energy costs increased 0.2 percent.

November food prices in the Midwest rose slightly - by 0.1 percent - compared to October. Costs for food at home and food away from home showed minor increases, 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively. Year-to-year, the food index rose 1.8 percent, the release said.

The index for all other items was unchanged in November compared to October. Among the changes, a 0.2 percent increase in the price of residences and a 0.8 percent rise in new vehicle costs were offset by a 1.1 percent decrease in apparel, a 1.7 percent drop in used cars and trucks sales and a 0.3 percent decrease in household furnishings and operations. Compared to the same month last year, the November index increased 2 percent, according to the BLS.

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