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- calendar_today October 22, 2026
Consumer Price Index Rises in Midwest for September
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Midwest region increased by 0.9 percent in September, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Notably, this figure reflects unadjusted data and may include seasonal influences.
Annual Midwest CPI and Inflation Rate
Over the year, from September 2025 to September 2026, the all items index showed a 4.2 percent increase. The inflation rate for all items less food and energy stood at 3.0 percent. Energy prices, a major driver in the region’s annual inflation, surged 22.0 percent, while food prices were up 2.6 percent for the same period.
Monthly Changes: Food Prices and Categories
Food prices in the Midwest edged up 0.2 percent in September. The index for food away from home, including restaurant and vending purchases, rose 0.3 percent. Grocery store prices—categorized as food at home—increased 0.1 percent. Among groceries, fruits and vegetables saw the largest monthly increase, gaining 2.3 percent, while dairy and related products decreased 1.8 percent.
Looking at the yearly trend, the food index advanced 2.6 percent. Prices for food away from home were up 4.3 percent, and for grocery store purchases, the index rose 1.5 percent. All six major grocery categories posted annual increases, with "other food at home" leading the group at 1.9 percent.
Energy Price Increases Drive Annual Gains
The regional energy index increased 3.2 percent in September. Gasoline prices saw a notable jump of 5.3 percent, while electricity prices increased by 1.1 percent. Natural gas services, however, declined by 1.7 percent for the month.
For the 12-month period, energy prices overall rose 22.0 percent. Gasoline was a key contributor, with a 35.5 percent increase. Electricity costs went up 8.8 percent, and natural gas services saw a 1.9 percent annual rise.
All Items Less Food and Energy
The index for all items less food and energy in the Midwest was up 0.8 percent in September. Components registering gains included owners’ equivalent rent of residences (up 0.7 percent), apparel (up 4.3 percent), education and communication (up 0.9 percent), and medical care services (up 0.6 percent).
On a yearly basis, this same index rose 3.0 percent. Notable contributors to the annual increase were shelter (up 4.4 percent), recreation (up 3.8 percent), and medical care services (up 3.0 percent). Conversely, medical care commodities fell by 4.4 percent and used cars and trucks declined by 1.7 percent.
Next Release Date for Midwest CPI
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has scheduled the release of the October 2026 Consumer Price Index for the Midwest region for Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Source: suntimesnews.com.
