Consumer price index gains speed in Japan

TOKYO, March 28 (UPI) -- Japan's consumer price index rose 1 percent on the year, February to February, the fastest clip in more than 13 years.

It was the fifth consecutive month of increases, largely pushed by increases in energy prices, Kyodo reported. Gasoline prices have risen 18.2 percent over February 2007, while heating oil costs have risen 28 percent.

The core index, which excludes food and energy costs, declined in February, down 0.1 percent, for the 26th consecutive month of declines, the report said.