Consumer prices in Tokyo have risen at a slower pace in September than in the previous month. A major factor is a resumption of energy subsidies.
The internal affairs ministry says the year-on-year consumer price index for Tokyo’s 23 wards is up 2 percent. The August number was 2.4.
The gauge excludes volatile fresh food.
Inflation in the capital has slowed for the first time in five months.
Food prices rose 2.8 percent, up 0.1 point from August. Gains were especially large for rice. It is up 41.4 percent due to a climate-induced shortage.
Imported beef rose 14.7 percent and chocolate was 11.5 percent higher.
Tokyo’s CPI is considered a leading indicator of nationwide inflation.