Tokyo, Oct. 23 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s core consumer inflation exceeded 2 pct for the first time in nine months in September as rising raw material costs amid the war in the Middle East pushed up prices for a range of items, including food, the internal affairs ministry said Friday. Higher accommodation charges during a long holiday period and the expiration of the Tokyo metropolitan government’s free water supply program also contributed to rising inflation. The core consumer price index, excluding volatile fresh food prices, rose 2.1 pct from a year earlier in September to 102.3 against the 2025 base of 100, marking the 61st consecutive month of growth. The index was up 1.7 pct in August. Food prices, excluding fresh items, climbed 2.9 pct, with notable increases seen in prepared foods, restaurant meals and snacks. The rate of increase accelerated for the first time in 14 months. In contrast, rice prices, which surged last year, fell 20.6 pct, the steepest drop since comparable data became available in January 1971. Energy prices edged down 0.6 pct. Electricity bills and gasoline prices fell 2.4 pct and 2.6 pct, respectively, due to government subsidies. City gas prices inched up 0.2 pct after falling 0.8 pct in the previous month. Prices for exterior wall painting and toilet paper also increased due to higher raw material costs. The overall CPI, including fresh food prices, rose 2.1 pct, while the index excluding fresh food and energy increased 2.4 pct. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
