The nationwide average retail price of regular gasoline this week was 170.1 yen per liter, the first increase in six weeks.

According to the Petroleum Information Center, which is commissioned by the government to investigate gasoline prices, the average retail price of regular gasoline nationwide as of the 8th was 170.1 yen per liter, up 0.2 yen from last week.



It was the first time in six weeks that crude oil prices surged late last month.



From the 11th, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will pay 31.4 yen per liter from the amount wholesaled to gas stations in various places.



Regarding the outlook for the future, the Oil Information Center said, ``Crude oil prices have temporarily risen and are likely to decline again, which may affect the future of gasoline prices.''