February inflation rate accelerates in Japanese capital of Tokyo

Tokyo, Feb. 25, (dpa-AFX/GNA) – Consumer price inflation in Japan’s capital accelerated in February, government data showed on Friday.

The consumer price index for Tokyo advanced 1% year-on-year in February, faster than the 0.6% increase in January. Excluding fresh food, consumer price inflation advanced to 0.5%, from 0.2% a month ago.

The rate also exceeded the economists’ forecast of 0.4%.

Higher inflation in February was driven by the 24.2% surge in energy prices. Excluding fresh food and energy, consumer prices dropped 0.6%, following a 0.7% decrease a month ago. Prices have been falling since April, data revealed.

GNA