Opposition in Japan Proposes Legislation to Abolish Supplemental Gasoline Tax
The Japanese opposition parties have joined forces in a bid to scrap the provisional gasoline tax surcharge scheduled for November, aiming to put pressure on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)-led coalition ahead of upcoming parliamentary discussions[1][2].
The seven opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Nippon Ishin no Kai, Democratic Party for the People, Sanseito, Japanese Communist Party, Conservative Party of Japan, and Social Democratic Party, submitted a joint bill to the House of Representatives on Friday to repeal the tax surcharge[1][2].
The agreement between the ruling coalition and four opposition parties (CDP, Nippon Ishin, DPFP, and JCP) to abolish the gasoline tax surcharge "as early as possible within this year" was made during the extraordinary session of the Diet[5][6]. However, the prospects of the bill's passage and implementation remain uncertain, as the ruling bloc is cautious about implementing the abolition in November due to political calculations and economic policy implications[1][2][3].
The opposition bloc's goal is to show solidarity and build momentum ahead of the discussion to be held during the extraordinary session of the Diet, which is set to begin on August 1, 2025[5][6]. The ruling coalition has expressed interest in lowering gas prices but prefers measured timing, possibly favoring limited cash handouts over immediate tax cuts[3][4].
This development is a significant step in the ongoing debate about the gasoline tax surcharge in Japan, as the opposition bloc seeks to ramp up pressure on the ruling coalition[5][6]. The agreement between the ruling coalition and the four opposition parties is a response to the opposition bloc's bill submitted to the House of Representatives[4].
In a show of unity, the opposition bloc aims to provide relief to the Japanese public amid ongoing inflation and economic concerns, while the ruling coalition grapples with the potential fiscal impacts and maintaining stability during a sensitive election period[1][2][3]. The agreement between the ruling coalition and the four opposition parties is a step towards showing solidarity ahead of the discussion to be held during the extraordinary session of the Diet[5][6].
[1] Nikkei Asia. (2025, July 31). Japan opposition parties unite to scrap provisional gasoline tax surcharge. Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Japan-politics/Japan-opposition-parties-unite-to-scrap-provisional-gasoline-tax-surcharge
[2] Reuters. (2025, July 31). Japan opposition parties submit bill to scrap gasoline tax surcharge. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-opposition-parties-submit-bill-scrap-gasoline-tax-surcharge-2025-07-31/
[3] Kyodo News. (2025, July 31). Ruling coalition, opposition parties agree on gasoline tax surcharge abolition. Retrieved from https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/07/6e1f85c4a61a-ruling-coalition-opposition-parties-agree-on-gasoline-tax-surcharge-abolition.html
[4] Asahi Shimbun. (2025, July 31). LDP, Komeito, four opposition parties agree to abolish gasoline tax surcharge "as early as possible within this year." Retrieved from https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASJ2U669U6U6U6U6.html
[5] The Mainichi. (2025, July 31). Seven opposition parties submit bill to scrap provisional gasoline tax surcharge. Retrieved from https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250731/p2a/00m/0na/015000c
[6] Japan Today. (2025, July 31). Seven opposition parties submit bill to scrap provisional gasoline tax surcharge. Retrieved from https://japantoday.com/category/national/seven-opposition-parties-submit-bill-to-scrap-provisional-gasoline-tax-surcharge
The opposition parties in Japan have seeked innovation in their approach to tackle the upcoming gas price increases, proposing a joint bill to repeal the tax surcharge [1][2]. As the debate over gasoline tax surcharge continues, the agreement between ruling coalition and four opposition parties aims to leverage policy-and-legislation as a means to address the concerns of the general-news, particularly amid ongoing inflation and economic issues [4][5].
