Deadlock continues on road tax rate

The ruling coalition and the opposition camp failed to reconcile differences Monday over the pressing issue of road-specific tax revenues.

"Temporary" rates imposed decades ago are due to expire March 31.

The main opposition Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) is insisting that current higher rates be abolished, a move that would lower the price of gasoline by 25 yen a liter. It is also calling on the ruling camp to revise 2008 tax reform bills now under Diet debate.

But the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner New Komeito are refusing to make a deal.

Senior members of the two sides negotiated sporadically during the day and Lower House Speaker Yohei Kono mediated, but to no avail.(IHT/Asahi: March 25,2008)