Feb 27 (News On Japan) - The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announced that the national consumer price index for January, excluding the volatile prices of fresh food, rose 2.0% compared to January of last year.
However, the growth rate has been shrinking for three consecutive months.
The item with the largest increase was accommodation charges, which rose by 26.9% due to a surge in demand from an increase in foreign visitors.
Food prices saw a 6.6% increase in prepared foods such as curry and a 9.6% rise in sweets like ice cream.
On the other hand, electricity charges decreased by 21.0%.
Source: ANN