Crude Oil Surge Triggers Record Food Price Hikes in Japan

A recent survey by Teikoku Databank found that household food and beverage items subject to price hikes in September reached 4,923, a significant increase from the same month last year. This marks the highest single-month figure for 2026, driven primarily by the crude oil surge stemming from worsening Middle East tensions, the weak yen, and rising logistics costs.

The survey covered 195 major food manufacturers and found that seasonings topped the list with 1,959 items subject to price hikes, followed closely by processed foods at 1,848 items. Kikkoman Food Products plans to raise prices on a total of 107 household items, including its flagship soy sauce and soup base products.

The full-year 2026 price hike count is already at 19,083 items, putting it on track to exceed 20,000 for the second consecutive year. The crude oil surge is the primary driver of these price hikes, with rising prices directly impacting costs for packaging materials and raw materials.