Prices in the Midwest Region, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), advanced 1.3 percent in March, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A press release says higher prices for gasoline were the largest contributing factor to the March increase. The food index rose in March due to higher costs for food at home, and the index for all items- less food and energy- increased as a result of higher shelter costs.

Over the last 12 months, the CPI-U rose 8.6 percent. The index for all items- less food and energy- increased 6.4 percent over the year. Energy prices jumped 29.3 percent, largely the result of an increase in the price of gasoline. Food prices were up 10.3 percent.