Household budgets in Japan are being squeezed. A private survey shows price hikes affecting about 6,100 food and beverage items in the first half of this year.
That's more than half of the 105 businesses approached. Prices are going up by an average of 11 percent.
それは半数を超えるものです、調査対象となった105の企業の。価格は上昇しています、平均11%で。
The processed foods category is most widely affected. About 2,900 items, including cup noodles, ham, and frozen products, are being marked up by 12 percent on average.
A poor harvest for rapeseed used in cooking oil is driving up prices for 1,300 dressings and other seasonings by an average of 9 percent. The crop is also in demand for biofuel.