With Japan’s gasoline prices at the highest level in 13 years, the government is being forced to give the maximum amount of subsidies for oil refiners and also consider measures to lower the nation’s gasoline tax.
The country’s average gasoline price stood at ¥175.2 ($1.48) a liter on Monday, according to data released on Wednesday from the trade ministry. That’s the 10th consecutive week of gains, and the highest level since September 2008.
The government started paying out the maximum subsidy of ¥25 a liter for gasoline and other oil products on Thursday.