Jan core CPI rises 4.2 yryr, matches forecast
Data underscore broadening inflationary pressure
Incoming BOJ chief calls for need to keep ultralow rates
Policymakers face tricky balance as wage gains remain tame

TOKYO, Feb 24 Reuters Japan39;s core consumer inflation hit a fresh 41year high in January as companies passed on higher costs to households, data showed on Friday, keeping the central bank under pressure to phase out its massive stimulus programme.

The data underscores the dilemma policymakers face as soaring prices of fuel and daily necessities hit households, many of whom have yet to see wages rise enough to make up for the higher cost of living.

The nationwide core consumer price index CPI, which excludes volatile fresh food but includes energy costs, was 4.2 higher in January than a year earlier, matching a median market forecast and accelerating from a 4.0 annual gain in December.

January39;s rise was the fastest since September 1981, when fuel costs spiked due to the Middle East oil crisis and hit Japan39;s importreliant economy.

Core consumer inflation has now exceeded the Bank of Japan39;s 2 target for nine straight months, mostly reflecting persistent rises in fuel and raw material costs, the data showed.

Inflation will probably peak in January but may not fall back below the BOJ39;s 2 target for some time, said Yoshimasa Maruyama, chief economist at SMBC Nikko Securities.

But there are questions as to whether the rise in inflation will be…