Tokyo Consumer Inflation Hits Highest Since 2014
Consumer prices in Tokyo's 23 wards rose at the fastest rate in September since 2014. The consumer price index for the capital climbed to 2.8 percent.
The internal affairs ministry said on Tuesday that the index touched the highest level since 1992 if inflation readings caused by consumption tax hikes are excluded.
Officials say soaring raw material prices, and higher import costs due to the weaker yen drove up prices of all kinds of goods.
Fresh food prices are excluded because they fluctuate widely according to the weather.
The price of cooking oil surged 39 percent and sushi in restaurants went up 14.3 percent. Imported beef was 9.6 percent more expensive.
Electricity bills jumped 27.9 percent, while gas bills were up 25.3 percent.
Tokyo's CPI is considered a leading indicator of nationwide inflation.