November 3, 2008
Since we have been here in Okinawa, gas prices haven't changed. Apparently the price is set by agreement between the bases and the Japanese Government. They have a complicated formula they use to determine the gas prices, and since we have been here the price has been set at $4.06 for unleaded. It was supposed to readjust in October, but as time rolls on there is no change in sight. Latest news report in the Stars and Stripes stated the price would remain unchanged until at least December.
Apparently the bases here had no problem raising the gas prices weekly when prices were going up, but now they say they are still losing money and they won't be lowering the cost. Japan and Okinawa bases are the only places with the gas prices locked in right now- prices on bases worldwide are dropping rapidly.
Prices at the local gas stations are falling- right now the cost of gas off base is about 111 Yen a liter (or $4.20 a gallon). Before long, we'll be buying our gas off base!
We're very jealous to hear about falling gas prices in the states!
Yes!! This is crazy, huh? We comment on this everytime we pass the darn gas station! :)
ReplyDeleteI guess I shouldn't tell you that gas on base here was 1.98 today...
ReplyDelete:-P