TOKYO. Dec 1 1: Higher oil prices pushed Japan s broadest measure of trade 28.6 per cent lower in October from Ihe same month a year ago. the government said Monday, reports AP.

The current account surplus decreased to 769.1 billion yen (S6.93 billion). measured before adjustment for seasonal factors, the Finance Ministry said.

The current account measures trade in merchandise, services, tourism and investment. It Is calculated by determining the difference between Japan's income from foreign sources against payments on foreign obligations. It excludes net capital investments.

Imports in October grew 26.7 per cent from a year ago to 3.392 trillion yen ($30.55 billion) - a record high figure for a single month.

That sharply outpaced the 7.4 per cent growth in exports and lead to the decline in the overall trade surplus, the ministry said. Exports totaled 4.266 trillion yen (S38.43 billion).

The growth in the value of energy poor Japan's imports to the record high was largely due to more expensive crude oil. Imports, mainly from the Middle East, grew 52.4 per cent on year in value, but only 7.4 per cent in volume, the ministry said.

Crude prices averaged $31.57 a barrel, up 39.9 per cent from a year ago in October. In yen terms, prices averaged 21.420 yen a barrel, up 41.9 per cent, the ministry said.

Steady growth in imports of electronic equipment, especially limn Asian and European Union. also helped boost overall imports.