Japan’s PM Fumio Kishida says new inflation-relief steps to be drawn up around autumn
- This comes as Kishida tries to shore up public support for his cabinet amid growing voter frustration over the economy and a political funds scandal
The aid will come on top of government subsidies that Kishida also vowed to retain to cut household utility bills. Rising prices have weighed heavily on consumers despite his emphasis on wealth redistribution via pay hikes.
The announcement came as Kishida has been scrambling to shore up public support for his cabinet amid growing voter frustration over his handling of a political funds scandal and the inflation-hit economy.
The premier, who also heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, has so far dismissed speculation that he will soon dissolve the lower house for a snap election.
Under the plan unveiled by Kishida, the government will reinstate support to curb electricity and gas bills for households between August and October, when summer-related energy demand tends to increase.
Government subsidies provided to oil wholesalers to limit the rise in retail gasoline prices will remain until the end of the year.