Motor fuel prices spur Midwest CPI

The Midwest Consumer Price Index for March increased 0.6 percent from February, largely due to a gain in motor fuel prices.

Last month, the index landed at 223.55, up from 222.30 in February, 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 $223.55 last month. The index is not seasonally adjusted, and items are weighted based on their spending significance in certain areas, according to the BLS.

Within the energy index - which rose an overall 3.7 percent in March - motor fuel prices advanced 8.3 percent. Partially offsetting that gain was piped utility gas service costs, which decreased 0.5 percent, and electricity priced, which ticked down 0.1 percent, according to the release.

The index for all other others less food and energy increased 0.4 percent last month. Leading the increase was a 2.4 percent jump in apparel costs, 1.2 percent bump in new and used motor vehicles and 0.3 percent advancement in shelter costs.

In the food index, the Midwest experienced a 0.4 percent decrease, with costs for food at home declining 0.7 percent and costs for food away from home inching down 0.1 percent, according to the release.

Compared to March 2014, the Midwest CPI last month was down 0.9 percent.