Japan Core Consumer Prices Rise 2.9 Pct in Sept.

Tokyo, Oct. 24 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s core consumer price index rose 2.9 pct from a year earlier in September, as food prices remained elevated and government subsidies for electricity and city gas fees were smaller, the internal affairs ministry said Friday. The core CPI, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, stood at 111.4 against the 2020 base of 100, rising for the 49th consecutive month. The pace of increase expanded for the first time in four months. Energy prices were up 2.3 pct. Electricity and city gas bills rose 3.2 pct and 2.2 pct, respectively, as state subsidies were reduced compared with a year before. Food prices, excluding fresh food, climbed 7.6 pct, though smaller than August’s 8 pct rise. Rice prices jumped 49.2 pct, with those of sushi at restaurants and onigiri up 8.3 pct and 17.8 pct, respectively. Egg prices were up 15.2 pct amid a bird flu outbreak. Chocolate prices surged 50.9 pct due to soaring ingredient costs. The overall CPI, which includes fresh food prices, grew 2.9 pct, while the index excluding fresh food and energy prices increased 3 pct. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]