TOKYO, Oct 28 (NHK) - Consumer prices within Tokyo's 23 wards rose in October at the fastest pace since 1989. The consumer price index for the capital was up 3.4 percent from a year earlier.
The internal affairs ministry said on Friday that the index reached its highest level since June 1982, if the effects of the consumption tax hikes are excluded.
Officials say higher import costs, due to the weaker yen, and soaring prices for raw materials drove food prices up by 5.9 percent.
The prices of fresh food items are excluded because weather conditions cause them to fluctuate widely.
The prices of fast-food hamburgers, chocolate and imported pork went up 18.3 percent,10.8 percent and 7.4 percent respectively.
Gas bills soared 28.8 percent and electricity bills jumped 26.9 percent. ...continue reading
