Midwest CPI Climbs 5% in May as Gasoline Jumps 45% and Tops U.S. Inflation
Updated
Updated · WOWO · Jun 10
Midwest CPI Climbs 5% in May as Gasoline Jumps 45% and Tops U.S. Inflation
2 articles · Updated · WOWO · Jun 10
Summary
5% year over year — Midwest consumer inflation in May ran above the 4.2% national rate, extending a regional price gap flagged in new BLS data.
45% gasoline inflation led the surge, while household energy rose 7.6% and rent increased 4.3% in the Midwest, all above national comparisons.
3.5% core inflation — excluding food and energy — also topped the U.S. rate of 2.9%, showing price pressure was not limited to fuel.
Purdue Fort Wayne's Rachel Blakeman said the data point to continued strain on household budgets, with consumers potentially cutting discretionary spending, travel or leaning more on credit.