Motor fuel prices lead increase in Midwest CPI

The Midwest Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers rose to 216.86 in February, a 2.7 percent increase compared to the same month of the prior year. Changes in the index were led by another month of increased motor fuel prices, according to a March 16 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics news release.

The CPI - which shows changes in the prices of 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 $216.86 in February. The index is not seasonally adjusted.

During the last 12 months, the energy index rose 5.2 percent, the food index increased 4 percent and the index for all other items rose 2.2 percent.

Motor fuel prices, which increased 9.5 percent compared to February 2011, had the greatest impact on the latest index. Electricity also rose 5.5 percent, but utility piped gas service costs fell 11.4 percent. The overall energy index was 231.72 in February, according to the release.

The food index increased year-over-year to 226.16. The index was led by a 4.8 percent gain in costs for food at home, which accounted for nearly through-fourths of the overall food index increase. Prices for food away from home rose 2.9 percent.

For all other items not including food and energy, the index rose to 216.96. Leading the advance was higher costs for shelter, a 1.5 percent increase; medical care, a 3.4 percent increase; and apparel, a 6.5 percent increase.

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