Economy Japan fuel price hits record ¥190.80 per litre amid Iran crisis

[thomas]

Just two weeks ago, regular fuel prices were in the lower 160-yen range; now we're at almost 191 yen!

Japan's average retail gasoline price has reached a record ¥190.80 ($1.20) per litre, as higher crude oil prices linked to the war in Iran push up costs. The average price as of Monday was ¥29.0 higher than on 9 March. It has risen for five straight weeks, breaking the previous record of ¥186.50 set in April 2025.

The increase came before the start of state subsidies to keep the price at around 170 yen. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the measure last week, citing the possibility that the price could surpass 200 yen and stating that a government fund will be used. The ministry said on Wednesday that subsidies of 30.20 yen per litre will be provided to petroleum suppliers for the week from Thursday.

Paywall alert:

Japan gasoline price hits record 190.80 yen per liter amid Iran crisis

Government to offer subsidies of 30.20 yen per liter to petroleum suppliers

asia.nikkei.com

 

[johnnyG]

I filled up the day of the price increase announcement--IIRC it was ¥171, which was already ¥20 more than the day before.

Got a new hybrid Fit at the end of January. The dashboard meter says a little higher, but the pencil and paper calculation (km traveled, divided by liters added) is at 19.1km/l, just shy of 45mpg.

ガソリンスタンド 地図検索 That says prices are just a little lower here, esp for 会員 or using Line Pay, etc. (posted prices can be a day or few old)

 

[thomas]

ガソリンスタンド 地図検索 That says prices are just a little lower here, esp for 会員 or using Line Pay, etc. (posted prices can be a day or few old)

Useful link!

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

"I was surprised. This really helps." Gasoline prices drop from 181 yen to 159 yen at some stations as the government resumes subsidies.

Regular gasoline that was displayed at 181 yen per liter is now 159 yen.
Staff:
"It already went down starting today (the 19th)."
Customer:
"So if I fill up now, it'll be cheaper?"
Staff:
"It's already cheaper."
A long-awaited drop in gasoline prices.
Customer:
"I heard prices went down a bit today, so I came to fill up. I've been holding off for a while. I think I'll fill up a lot today."
At this gas station in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, regular gasoline was 181 yen per liter until yesterday (the 18th), but today (the 19th) it is 159 yen—a drop of 22 yen.
Customer:
"I was surprised by the price. Compared to before yesterday, it really helps a lot."
"This place is the cheapest in the area. I hope it goes down a bit more."
Kumiko Tateishi, Apollo Station Amagasaki Sonoda:
"You've probably seen in the news that prices are going down nationwide, but this is also based on our company president's policy."
As the nationwide average retail price of regular gasoline hit a record high of 190.8 yen per liter, the government has resumed subsidies to major oil distributors starting today (the 19th), aiming to keep the national average around 170 yen. However…
Reporter (Ran Hamada):
"The posted price here is 196 yen for regular gasoline. Over there, it's 168 yen."
The timing of price drops varies depending on the region and the station.
Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, a destination popular for car travel, saw many vehicles from other prefectures at a roadside station today (the 19th).
Visitor from Osaka:
"I filled up today—in Osaka."
(Q: Was it cheaper?)
"Yes, it was cheaper. It was about 20 yen less per liter, in the low 160-yen range, so that was good. Today we're on a food trip—eat and head home at night."
Ahead of the three-day weekend starting tomorrow (the 20th), many people are enjoying sightseeing. However, there are also concerns…
Business traveler visiting Awaji Island:
(Q: With the government subsidies starting today, prices are expected to go down…)
"That does help, but…"
(Q: Some gas stations are about 20 yen cheaper.)
"In the end, as long as the effects of the war don't go away, won't prices just go up again eventually?"

----
The gas station I usually use was 186 yen the day before yesterday, but today it was 151 yen. I was planning to refuel soon, so this really helps.

 

[Lothor]

I'm glad the government is taking action here (even though I don't drive). I'd also like to see the government ask motorists to avoid unnecessary journeys and use public transport where reasonable to preserve supplies.