This February, the amount of money spent by two or more households for consumption increased by 1.1% from the same month last year, the second consecutive month of increase.
However, the level of consumption continues to be below the level before Corona.
According to the February household survey announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on the 5th, the amount of money spent by two or more households for consumption was 257,878 yen per household.
In real terms, excluding price fluctuations, it increased by 1.1% from the same month last year, marking the second consecutive month of increase.
Looking at the breakdown, “Transportation / Communications” increased significantly to 11.4% due to an increase in automobile-related expenses due to an increase in purchases of winter tires and batteries.
In February, the demand for heating increased by 1.9% due to the continued low temperature and heavy snowfall in Hokkaido and other areas.
On the other hand, “food” decreased by 3.6% due to a decrease in food and drink charges for eating out.
Consumption remains below pre-Corona levels, partly due to the large decline in February last year, which is the subject of comparison, due to the impact of the state of emergency.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, "It is still difficult to judge whether buying is being held back due to rising prices while the influence of corona continues. As price increases continue into the spring, we would like to carefully watch changes in consumer awareness. ".