TOKYO, March 30 : Bank of Japan policymakers debated raising interest rates further as rising oil costs from the Middle East conflict fuel inflation concerns. One official warned the central bank might fall behind on curbing price pressures.
At its March meeting, the BOJ held rates steady but signaled readiness for tighter policy, citing ongoing inflation risks from global energy markets.
The central bank faces mounting pressure to act as underlying inflation shows signs of persistence amid international supply disruptions.