Tokyo-based Teikoku Databank says prices for 2,566 food and beverage items will
rise in July, the largest jump since April. The firm attributes the increases to
tighter oil-product supplies linked to Middle East tensions and says higher
packaging (ink, food film, trays), energy and logistics costs have been passed
through to retail prices. Teikoku Databank expects the upward price wave to
persist into summer and beyond, with a weak yen and abnormal weather adding
further upside pressure. Inflation is becoming a prominent political issue but
has not yet dented Prime Minister TAKAICHI’s approval.