Japan's Aso says that plunging oil prices made it tough to hit inflation target

Comments by Japanese finance minister, Taro Aso

• It is understandable that BOJ hasn't hit 2% inflation target yet
• 2% inflation target generates positive effects in the economy
• Has the same opinion with Abe that inflation target should be 2%

It's astonishing the amount of things that policymakers can come up with to deflect from the reality of the situation. Oil prices are up by nearly 30% this year (WTI crude at least), yet inflation readings in Japan have barely moved. What's his excuse now?