Middle East tensions drive Japan processed food price hikes, with 5,780 items raised
Teikoku Databank’s July 2026 survey said higher crude oil and naphtha prices linked to worsening conditions in the Middle East have lifted packaging and transport costs, leading to price hikes for 5,780 processed foods. The firm projects the cumulative number of food and beverage items facing increases will reach 14,902 by November. With Japan relying on the Middle East for more than 90% of its crude oil imports, a weaker yen that has at times exceeded 160 per dollar and risks from extreme weather are adding to food inflation pressure, according to the report.