Japan Pensioner Loses Over 33% of ¥110,000 Income to Kerosene as Iran War Lifts Costs
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Aug 13
Japan Pensioner Loses Over 33% of ¥110,000 Income to Kerosene as Iran War Lifts Costs
1 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Aug 13
Summary
Murakami resident Chieko Sugai, 72, said April kerosene bills consumed more than one-third of her 110,000-yen ($671) monthly pension, leaving little room in her budget.
Iran-war-driven fuel costs are hitting hardest in colder, rural areas where households still depend on kerosene for heating and have few cheaper alternatives.
Sugai, a widow living alone in an aging two-story home five hours north of Tokyo, said she simply endures when money runs short because she has no other choice.
Her case underscores Japan’s inflation paradox: an economy showing signs of revival while higher energy costs squeeze pensioners and risk a broader backlash.