"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?"
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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.