The average retail gasoline price in Japan climbed to its highest level in seven years earlier this week, reflecting a recent global surge in crude oil prices, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Wednesday.The average price for regular gasoline stood at 162.10 yen ($1.4) per liter as of Monday, advancing 2.10 yen from Oct. 4 and hitting its highest level since October 2014, according to the ministry.The rise is expected to deal a blow to household spending in Japan amid speculation that domestic travel will increase after the latest COVID-19 state of emergency through Sept. 30.…READ FULL ARTICLE