Japan PM says to maintain subsidies capping gasoline prices, tap reserves

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday the government will maintain subsidies to cap gasoline prices to ease the impact of inflation on Japanese households amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Takaichi said she has instructed officials to make necessary preparations, including securing funding, to continue the program, which keeps gasoline prices at around 170 yen ($1.06) per liter, given uncertainty over how crude oil prices will move.