The key gauge of nationwide consumer prices fell 0.8 percent in fiscal 2002 from the previous year, declining for the fifth consecutive year, the longest skein on record, the government said in a preliminary report Friday.

The margin of decline matched that of fiscal 2001, the widest ever, the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications said.

The nationwide consumer price index, excluding prices of perishable foods, slipped to 98.2 against the base of 100 for 2000, the ministry said.