Yamagata Prefecture is facing soaring gasoline prices exceeding 200 yen per liter, prompting gas stations to impose fuel purchase restrictions and reduce hours, with local residents expressing concerns over the economic impact.
Due to a rise in crude oil prices stemming from turmoil in the Middle East, Yamagata Prefecture is witnessing an alarming increase in regular gasoline prices, with some gas stations raising prices to over 200 yen per liter. This spike has led to the implementation of fuel purchase limits at certain locations, such as a self-service station in Yamagata City, which has capped purchases at 20 liters for gasoline and 50 liters for light oil. The situation is described by local officials as a 'matter of survival,' highlighting fears over the long-term implications of these price increases.,
Gas stations are adjusting their operating hours in response to supply issues, reducing hours from the usual 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. to a new schedule of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A petroleum company has issued a public plea on its website for customers to refrain from hoarding fuel, emphasizing the need for equitable distribution among consumers. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reported that as of the 18th, the cash price of regular gasoline in Yamagata was the highest in Japan at 198.5 yen per liter, significantly stressing the daily lives of residents in this car-dependent region.,
In one week, gas stations in Yonezawa City have seen prices climb to 203 yen per liter. A station manager noted that while customers continue to arrive, many are now purchasing smaller amounts, only filling up for immediate needs instead of full tanks, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior caused by the price increase. Comparing this to a mere week ago when prices were at 174 yen demonstrates the rapid inflation hitting households, emphasizing the urgent economic challenges facing those in the area dependent on automobiles for their daily lives.
