Japan's core CPI jumps 2.8 pct in August, nearly 8-year high

TOKYO, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Japan's core consumer prices in August rose for the 12th straight month amid surging energy and food prices, the government said in a report Tuesday.

Excluding volatile fresh food items, the core consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.8 percent last month, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said in its latest report.

The reading marked the fastest pace since October 2014, and an expansion of over 2 percent for the fifth consecutive month.

According to the ministry, the jump in energy costs remained the main factor driving up prices in August. Prices for electricity and gas went up 21.5 percent and 26.4 percent respectively in the reporting period.

Prices for non-fresh food, furniture and household goods also rose significantly in August, with that of ordinary bread rising 15 percent, the report showed.

Mobile phone charges continued to hold down the price hikes last month, which fell 14.4 percent year on year, according to the ministry.

Since last spring, Japanese carriers have been rolling out cheaper plans, leading to significant year-on-year drops in mobile phone rates and playing a major role in restraining the country's CPI rise.