Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced plans to gradually increase financial support for oil wholesalers ahead of the scheduled removal of the provisional gasoline tax surcharge later this year.

The government currently offers a 10-yen subsidy per liter to help cushion the impact of high fuel prices. Starting next Thursday, the ministry will lift the subsidy to 15 yen. A second adjustment will follow on November 27, and by December 11 the support will match the full 25.1-yen surcharge that is set to be abolished.

Officials say the stepped increases are meant to prevent sudden swings in pump prices and avoid supply disruptions during the transition. Retail fuel prices are expected to ease within days of each adjustment.

Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties have agreed to end the gasoline surcharge and the subsidy program at the close of December.

The ministry has also urged wholesalers to ensure stable deliveries and advised consumers to refuel as usual to avoid a rush or hesitation as the price changes approach.