Orders From Gas Stations Surge for Tues. Gasoline Shipments

Tokyo, March 31 (Jiji Press)–Orders from pump stations for gasoline shipments for Tuesday jumped 60 pct from ordinary levels at major oil distributor Japan Energy Corp. as prices are certain to drop on that day, Jiji Press learned Monday.

Monday’s likely expiration of provisional gasoline tax surcharges will lower Japan’s gasoline tax by 25.1 yen per liter at the start of the new fiscal year on Tuesday.

Japan Energy also saw a 20 pct hike in orders for gas oil shipments for Tuesday, sources said.

The company is arranging to delay shipments to some gas stations to Wednesday or after, because the orders for gasoline and gas oil both have exceeded the company’s distribution capacity.

Among other major oil distributors, Idemitsu Kosan Co. has received orders for gasoline and other fuel 30 pct beyond its distribution capacity.

Such capacity limits at oil distributors are intensifying concern that gasoline may dry up if consumers rush to gas stations to take advantage of lower prices. END

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