TOKYO, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- The average retail gasoline price in Japan has exceeded 180 yen for the first time in 15 years, industry ministry data showed Wednesday.
The national average price for regular gasoline as of Monday rose 3.6 yen from a week before to 180.3 yen per liter, posting an increase for the 12th straight week, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The hike came amid higher crude oil prices and the Japanese government's gradual downsizing of its subsidies to push down gasoline prices from June.
The price is expected to increase and affect households if the government halts its subsidy program, designed to curb the impact of a surge in gasoline and other fuel prices, at the end of September as planned. ■