Economists predict that consumer inflation in Japan will moderately rebound in March.

According to economists surveyed by data provider Quick, consumer inflation in Japan excluding fresh food is expected to increase by 1.8% year-on-year in March. This increase is slightly higher than the 1.6% recorded in February. Economists predict that the rise in oil prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East will push inflation higher. They suggest that while government subsidies may limit any increases in energy prices in April, the impact of rising oil prices on petroleum-related products may start to become apparent in the near future. Recent data from the Bank of Japan shows a significant increase in wholesale prices, with a month-on-month rise of 0.8% in March, compared to a 0.1% increase in February.