Inflation in Japan's capital in November accelerated for the first time in three months on the back of higher electricity and gas bills. Food costs also rose.

The internal affairs ministry said the preliminary Consumer Price Index for Tokyo's 23 wards climbed 2.2 percent on year.
That's up 0.4 percentage points from October.

Power and gas costs rose as the government reduced utility subsidies. These were in effect in the summer to offset soaring electricity bills when temperatures surged.

The CPI excludes fresh food, but non-perishable food items rose 4 percent year-on-year.
Rice prices were the standout, jumping 62.8 percent.
That's the biggest gain since at least 1971, when comparable data-collection began.

Chocolate prices climbed 28.5 percent, followed by coffee beans at 23.3 percent.

Tokyo prices are considered a leading indicator of nationwide inflation, which will be released on December 20.