The recent surge in kerosene prices is a strain on consumer purse strings, giving electric power and gas companies a prime opportunity to entice new customers by providing home heating at stable prices.
The price of kerosene in October jumped 27 percent over the same month last year, hit by steep rises in crude oil prices. Based on the average annual kerosene consumption of 587 liters in fiscal 2004, this translates into an additional 8,600 yen burden per household.
The situation has triggered anger and suspicion from consumer groups.