Tokyo, Oct. 30 (Jiji Press)–Inflation in central Tokyo stayed above 2 pct for two months in a row in October after the end of the metropolitan government’s water bill exemptions, the Japanese internal affairs ministry said Friday. The core consumer price index for Tokyo’s densely populated 23 special wards, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, rose 2.6 pct from a year earlier to 103.3 against the 2025 base of 100, marking the 62nd straight month of rise. Prices for food excluding fresh food items increased 3 pct. Accommodation fees increased 6.7 pct, and dining-out costs went up. Rice prices plunged 31.3 pct after jumping a year earlier, marking the steepest decrease since comparable records began in January 1971. Energy prices rose 2.2 pct after falling 1.9 pct the previous month. Electricity and city gas bills increased 1.7 pct and 4.9 pct, respectively, due to higher fuel prices. Gasoline prices fell 2.3 pct thanks to the central government’s subsidies. The overall CPI including fresh food prices grew 2.8 pct, and the index excluding fresh food and energy prices climbed 2.6 pct. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
