Midwest CPI ticks down

 The Midwest Consumer Price Index ticked down in February, largely due to a decline in energy prices.

The figure was 223.2 in February, a tenth of a point lower than in January. It also was down 0.4 percent from February 2015, according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics news release.

The CPI – which reflects 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 $223.20 last month. The index is not seasonally adjusted, and items are weighted based on their spending significance in certain areas, according to the BLS.

In February, the Midwest energy index’s prices dropped 5 percent overall, marking its eighth consecutive monthly decline, according to the release.

Within the index, motor fuel prices fell 11.4 percent month to month, and electricity costs dropped 0.6 percent. Piped utility gas service prices were unchanged.

The food sector moved down 0.2 percent last month. Costs for food at home dropped 0.4 percent, while prices for food away from home faltered 0.1 percent, according to the release.

The index for all other items recorded an overall 0.4 percent increase. It was the second month in a row of increases. In the sector, apparel prices rose 2.2 percent, recreation costs moved up 0.8 percent, medical care increased 0.5 percent and shelter inched up 0.3 percent, according to the BLS.