TOKYO -- Another surge in energy prices could drag Japan's current-account balance into the red on an annual basis for the first time in decades, an estimate by Nikkei shows, as costlier oil imports outweigh the export boost from a weak yen.
The deficit could reach 16 trillion yen ($130 billion) for fiscal 2022 if crude oil bounces back to $130 a barrel and the yen trades at 120 against the dollar.
