TOKYO, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Prices are set to rise on 3,153 food and beverage items in Japan in October, as higher packaging expenses and a weaker yen continue to push companies to pass the increased costs on to consumers, a survey by a research company showed Wednesday.
The expected increases in October come on the heels of price rises for 4,965 items in September, according to Teikoku Databank Ltd., which described the two months as another "wave of price hikes."
The protracted conflict in the Middle East has pushed up crude oil and naphtha prices, raising the cost of packaging materials, while the weakening yen has inflated import prices, prompting companies to pass the higher costs on to consumers.
So far in 2026, price increases have either taken effect or been scheduled for 20,187 food and beverage items, pushing the tally past 20,000 for the second straight year, Teikoku Databank said.
By category, alcoholic and other beverages are set to lead the October price hikes with 1,399 items, followed by seasonings with 820 items and processed foods with 668.
Beyond food and beverages, gas and electricity rates in Japan are also expected to rise in October. ■