Midwest consumer prices up 0.9% in month, 4% in year

Consumer prices in the Midwest increased 0.9 percent between April and May, and 4 percent between May 2007 and May 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The largest price jump between May 2007 and May 2008 in the survey was in transportation costs, up 7.8 percent thanks to a 18-percent monthly jump in motor fuel costs. Fuels and utility costs, up 10.8 percent, led to a 2.8 percent monthly jump in housing costs. Energy costs increased 15.4 percent in the year, with half of that increase between April and May.

Other price increases included food and beverages, up 5.1 percent; medical care, up 3.4 percent; education and communication, up 2.7 percent; commodities, up 5 percent; services, up 3.2 percent; recreation, up 2 percent; and other goods and services, up 3.9 percent. The only area to see price drops was apparel, down 0.8 percent.