Exchange customers in Okinawa to receive regular unleaded gas, decrease in fuel price Published April 1, 2011 By Exchange Pacific Region Public Affairs CAMP FOSTER, Japan -- Army and Air Force Exchange Service fueling stations on Okinawa will be converting from 93 octane-level (mid-grade) gas to 86 octane-level (regular unleaded) gas and customers here can expect to fuel up on regular gas, while seeing a price decrease from the switch, on Saturday. The change comes after the availability of mid-grade fuel supplied to Okinawa Exchange facilities was affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami due to production issues at some mainland Japan refineries. Until mid-grade gas, which is only produced on mainland Japan, can once again be refined in quantities that will support Okinawa facilities, a local supplier in Okinawa will provide regular gas to Exchange facilities. "This temporary change is needed to assure that we continue to provide fuel to our great customers," said Shawn Dorcy, Japan area manager. "We will work very closely with those who operate vehicles, such as high-performance motorcycles, that may need higher octane by offering fuel additives, for purchase, at our facilities." "The price of fuel that is reflected at the fuel dispenser will be based on U.S. surveyed prices for regular unleaded fuel ($3.408 as of April 2)," added Dorcy. Exchange fuel prices in Japan are based on the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) weekly average for each grade of gasoline in the continental U.S., plus the unique incremental costs incurred in an overseas market, according to Dorcy. This market-based pricing policy means that when Department of Energy's prices rise or fall, the Exchange pump prices will follow. Dorcy also explained that on the whole, the price Exchange customers pay at the pump is much cheaper than fuel prices on the local Japanese economy. As Exchange associates at Okinawa ready themselves for the temporary switch to regular gas, Exchange fueling stations on mainland Japan will be unaffected by the change. "Our locations on mainland Japan will continue to receive 93 octane (mid-grade) gas as the current supply there should cover the need," said Dorcy. Exchange officials, working through a contact arranged by their liaisons at the Defense Energy Support Center to supply regular unleaded gas to Okinawa through as long as four months, said they do not expect to see the switch to regular gas lasting any longer than Aug.1.