Tokyo, February 19, 2026 — The Japanese competition authority (JFTC) has issued a warning to Murakami Shoji over suspected below-cost sales of regular gasoline in Kyoto Prefecture.
According to the JFTC, Murakami Shoji supplied regular gasoline at prices significantly below the cost required for supply for a certain period between July 1 and August 31, 2025, at two service stations in Fukuchiyama City — the Fukuchiyama Inter Self Service Station and the Fukuchiyama Central Self Service Station.
The authority stated that the conduct may have made it difficult for competing gasoline retailers in the surrounding area to continue their business activities.
The JFTC found that the conduct may fall under Article 2(9)(iii) (unfair low-price sales) of the Antimonopoly Act and therefore may violate Article 19 of the Act. As a result, the Commission issued a warning instructing Murakami Shoji not to engage in similar conduct in the future.
Murakami Shoji is headquartered in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, and is represented by President Toshihide Murakami.
A warning does not constitute a formal surcharge order but serves as an administrative measure aimed at preventing potential violations of the Antimonopoly Act.
Source: https://www.jftc.go.jp/houdou/pressrelease/2026/feb/260219_kanshi_kinki.html
