According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan, consumer prices in the country (excluding fresh food) increased by 4% in December compared to the same month of the previous year. Such a sharp increase was the highest since December 1981. Analysts note that the indicator exceeded the 2% target of the Bank of Japan for the ninth month in a row. In November, inflation increased by 3.7%. The consensus forecast of experts also provided for an acceleration of growth rates to 4%. Overall, overall inflation in Japan last month was also 4% year-on-year, accelerating from 3.8% in November. Its pace was the highest since January 1991. In particular, food prices rose by 7% in December, clothing – by 2.9%, fuel, electricity and water supply - by 15.2%, including electricity – by 21.3% and gas – by 23.3%. The cost of transport and telecommunications services increased by 2.1%, educational services – by 0.7%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices in Japan increased by 0.3% in December compared to the previous month. In November, according to the revised data, the indicator increased by 0.4%, not 0.3%, as previously reported.
