From the weekend: Analysis: Why Cheap Oil Helps Japan’s Industries More Than Consumers
- The recent drop in crude oil prices is expected to provide a major boost to Japan’s economy … But its benefits will be felt much more by industrial users than by households
- Petroleum products–whether fuel oil used by a power utility or naphtha by a chemical producer–are subject to few taxes
- In contrast, nearly half of the gasoline price drivers pay at the pump goes to taxes
- This could further amplify the diversion in the economic fortunes of big companies and consumers
More at the article, its from the Wall Street Journal but not gated
