Japan regular gasoline average holds at 170.2 yen; Nikkei says subsidy to be cut
In short
Japan's national average retail price for regular gasoline was 170.20 yen per liter as of Oct 5, unchanged from the previous week's survey, according to data released on Oct 7 by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy. Diesel rose 10 sen to 159.60 yen and kerosene rose 15 yen per 18 liters to 2,553 yen. The subsidy payment for Oct 8-14 was set at 42.40 yen per liter, while Nikkei's headline said the subsidy is to be reduced.
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The national average retail price of regular gasoline in Japan was 170.20 yen per liter as of Oct 5, unchanged from the previous week's survey, according to data released on Oct 7. Sankei Shimbun attributed the figures to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, while Nikkei attributed them to the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy. Tokyo Shimbun, Nishi-Nippon Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun reported the same 170.20 yen figure, with Yomiuri saying the level had been sustained by the effect of the government subsidy. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Prices for other fuels moved higher. Sankei reported that diesel rose 10 sen to 159.60 yen per liter and that kerosene rose 15 yen to 2,553 yen per 18 liters, described as one standard tank. The subsidy intended to hold gasoline at around 170 yen was set at 42.40 yen per liter for the Oct 8-14 period, Sankei reported. [ 2 ]
Nikkei reported that prices rose in 18 of Japan's 47 prefectures, were unchanged in 10 and fell in 19. Wholesale gasoline prices from oil distributors to their affiliated filling stations had declined slightly, but holding retail prices steady to secure profitability was the dominant response, Nikkei said. Nikkei's headline stated that the subsidy will be reduced; the accessible portion of its article did not give details of that plan, and Sankei's report on the 42.40 yen rate for the coming week did not describe a reduction. [ 2 , 5 ]
Why it matters
Pump prices are a direct cost for households and businesses in Japan, and the size of the government subsidy determines how much of the recent wholesale price moves reach consumers. Nikkei's headline indicating the subsidy will be cut suggests the level around 170 yen could come under pressure in coming weeks, though the accessible text did not detail the plan.
Key facts
- The national average retail price of regular gasoline was 170.20 yen per liter as of Oct 5, unchanged from the previous week's survey. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- Diesel rose 10 sen to 159.60 yen per liter. [ 2 ]
- Kerosene rose 15 yen to 2,553 yen per 18 liters, a standard tank. [ 2 ]
- The subsidy payment intended to hold gasoline at around 170 yen was set at 42.40 yen per liter for Oct 8-14. [ 2 ]
- Of 47 prefectures, 18 saw prices rise, 10 were unchanged and 19 saw prices fall. [ 5 ]
- Wholesale gasoline prices from oil distributors to affiliated filling stations fell slightly, but stations mostly kept retail prices unchanged to secure profitability, Nikkei reported. [ 5 ]
- Nikkei's headline said the subsidy will be reduced. [ 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether and by how much the subsidy will be reduced. Nikkei's headline states the subsidy is to be cut, but the accessible portion of its article does not give the size or timing; Sankei reported only the 42.40 yen per liter payment for Oct 8-14, so the two accounts cannot be reconciled from the available text.
- Details of the price survey beyond the headline. Tokyo Shimbun's headline reported the 170.20 yen figure, but its article text did not contain any gasoline reporting, and Nishi-Nippon Shimbun and Yomiuri provided only headlines and feed summaries.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Tokyo Shimbun and Sankei Shimbun publish reports that the regular gasoline price is 170.20 yen, unchanged from the previous week's survey. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Nishi-Nippon Shimbun publishes the same headline figure. [ 3 ]
- Yomiuri Shimbun reports the price is the same as the previous week at 170.20 yen, attributing the level to the government subsidy. [ 4 ]
- Nikkei reports the nationwide average at 170.2 yen as of Oct 5, with 18 prefectures up, 10 flat and 19 down, and its headline says the subsidy is to be reduced. [ 5 ]