{
  "id": 3408662,
  "title": "Japan to keep gas pump prices at around ¥170",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/japan-to-keep-gas-pump-prices-at-around-170",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-26T02:17:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/08/26/gasoline-price-keep/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japan's government plans to maintain gas pump prices near ¥170 per liter, despite ongoing instability in the Middle East, according to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Takaichi instructed industry minister Ryosei Akazawa to consult with Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama to secure the necessary funds. The prime minister noted that the uncertain situation in the Middle East makes it challenging to predict crude oil prices. To mitigate the impact on people's lives and economic activities, the government intends to draw from a ¥2.5 trillion reserve fund for responding to Middle Eastern developments. As of the end of July, the gasoline subsidy fund balance had decreased to about ¥210 billion. The government previously intended to raise the gasoline price target above ¥170 as part of a subsidy program review, aiming to avoid indefinite subsidies amid prolonged Middle Eastern turmoil. Takaichi emphasized that the government will consider various support measures, including the eventual exit from the subsidy program, while closely monitoring the Middle Eastern situation's impact on future price trends and the economy. Gasoline subsidies were introduced in January 2022, were temporarily ended in December last year, but resumed in March. The cumulative cost of gasoline subsidies has reached approximately ¥9 trillion.",
  "summary": "To secure additional financial resources, the government plans to tap into a ¥2.5 trillion reserve fund for responding to the situation in the Middle East.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}