Overview
- The latest weekly survey put regular gasoline at a nationwide average of 169.5 yen per liter, up 2 yen from the prior week.
- NHK reports that emergency price‑stabilization steps are keeping pump prices near 170 yen per liter.
- Officials and markets are watching crude oil swings and tensions linked to Iran because higher import costs could lift retail prices.
- March trade figures cited in related coverage showed crude oil imports did not decline even as exports to the Middle East dropped sharply.
- A recent fuel‑surcharge increase drew a call from Minister Kaneko for a clear public explanation, pointing to rising pressure on transport costs.