As the government formally outlines plans to scale back fuel subsidies, transport and logistics operators in Hokuriku are being forced to respond. Under the policy of gradually raising the benchmark gasoline price from December, higher fuel costs will put pressure on earnings, and some businesses would face an additional annual burden of tens of millions of yen if prices rise by ¥5 per liter.
The government plans to scale back subsidies introduced in response to rising fuel prices caused by the situation in the Middle East, requiring logistics operators in Hokuriku to prepare for the impact of their removal. The planned increase in the benchmark gasoline price from December is cited as a factor behind the higher burden, and soaring fuel costs could put pressure on earnings. Passing the increase on to fares and delivery charges is also becoming a realistic option.
In Ishikawa Prefecture, regular gasoline is currently priced at ¥168.80 per liter and diesel at ¥157.40. Estimates indicate that, without the subsidies, the prices could rise to approximately ¥221.20 and ¥209.80, respectively. Hokuriku Railroad uses approximately 6.6 million liters of diesel annually. A ¥5 increase would add approximately ¥33 million to its burden, while a roughly ¥50 increase following the removal of the subsidies is expected to bring the annual increase to approximately ¥330 million.