Gasoline prices at the pump at Okinawa’s gas stations have risen to an average of ¥160 plus per liter die to the hike in the national consumption tax that too effect Apr. 1. That is the highest level in 5 years and 7 months.

Shintoshin Branch Manager Koumei Arakaki of Kokuwa Distribution Service Co, that operates several gasoline stations in the prefecture says he can feel the impact. “Compared to days before the tax increase, I feel our sales have dropped,” he says.

A customer filling up at the station commented, “The Government has raised taxes but my income remains the same, so this feels like a great burden.”

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