Japan's Annual Inflation Rises To 2.6% In July, Fastest Pace Since 2014

The annual headline inflation rate in Japan rose to 2.6% in July 2022 from 2.4% in June, the fastest pace since April 2014, according to official data by the Internal Affairs Ministry on Friday.

The figure is above the Bank of Japan's 2% target amid the Russia-Ukraine war and a weak yen, yet the Bank is likely to maintain its ultra-low monetary policy.

The main drivers of rising prices came from food, fuel, light, and water charges, the ministry reported.

Consumer prices, except for fresh food, went up 2.4% in July from a year ago, with energy costs making up for around half the gains, it said.

Meanwhile, core consumer prices were at 2.4% year-on-year in July, the most since December 2014, after a 2.2% rise in June.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up 0.5%, the highest since January 2021, the data showed. -