Prices in the Midwest Region, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), advanced 0.8 percent in February, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The February increase was most influenced by higher prices for all items- less food and energy- although increased prices for energy was another major factor.

Over the last 12 months, the CPI-U rose 1.7 percent. The index for all items- less food and energy- increased 1.3 percent over the year. Food prices rose 2.9 percent and energy prices increased 3.7 percent.