Data released by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on the 11th shows that as of the 9th, the national average retail price for regular gasoline was 161.80 yen per liter, an increase of 3.30 yen from the previous week's survey. The Petroleum Information Center, responsible for the survey, indicated that due to a sharp rise in international crude oil prices driven by tensions in Iran, retail prices at gas stations are expected to increase by more than 20 yen next week, surpassing the 180 yen mark. As of the 9th, gasoline prices have risen for the fourth consecutive week, returning to the 160 yen range for the first time in approximately three months since December 2025. Previously, attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel on the 28th of last month pushed international oil prices higher, subsequently impacting domestic gasoline prices in Japan. As the related price increases are expected to be passed on to the retail level next week, a significant price surge appears unavoidable.