Less criticism of latest plan in Japan: deregulation policies greeted by refiners

Japanese petroleum importers may not have to be registered after oil product import laws expire at the end of March 1996. A proposal by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) would require importers to stockpile at least a 70-day supply of crude petroleum and oil products to maintain market stability. Also, a ban on gasoline containing lead or having sulfur content of less than 100 ppm is also proposed. MITI will submit its proposals to the Japanese Diet for ratification in 1995.