Featured Data Additions

ENERGY → Electricity → Area Price by Region → Japan Electric Power Exchange

Electricity trading statistics for Japan were added to the ENERGY database. Wholesale spot electricity market prices for 9 Japanese regions are available, along with a table for contract buying and selling volumes. These 7-day daily data are sourced from the Japan Electric Power Exchange and start in April 2005.

Chart: Differences in electricity prices between eastern and western Japan are caused by the separation of the country's grid into two separate systems with distinct operating frequencies. Western Japan has seen more efficient nuclear reactor restarts and a higher concentration of solar power, which contributes to lower prices. Prices in eastern Japan can have a risk premium associated with the continued delays of nuclear reactor restarts. The region also relies more heavily on expensive thermal generation.

EMERGEPR → Malaysia → Public Finance and Debt → 1st and Revised Budget Estimates

Petroleum and nonpetroleum federal budget estimates for Malaysia were added to the EMERGEPR database. These series are available in millions of ringgit or as a percent of total revenue. Annual data are sourced from the Ministry of Finance Malaysia and start as early as 2009.

Chart: Malaysia's petroleum-related revenue is projected to decline to 43 billion ringgit in 2026, a significant drop from previous years. Lower crude prices and reduced dividends from Petronas, its state-owned petroleum company, are contributing factors for the decline. As a share of total revenue, petroleum-related revenues have decreased from 41.3% in 2009 to 12.5% in 2026. This highlights Malaysia's goal to reduce its reliance on commodity-based revenue. Nonpetroleum revenues are expected to rise by 8.1% in 2026.

JAPANR → Production → Rice Yield

Rice and wheat agricultural statistics for Japan were added to the JAPANR database. Metrics covering cultivated area reported in hectares and yields reported in kilograms and metric tons are available for Japan and 47 regions. These annual data are sourced from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and begin as early as 2005.

Chart: A rice shortage in Japan caused a national crisis earlier this year as prices soared to record highs. Record high temperatures could curb the country’s rice harvest, threatening to create additional shortages and fresh price spikes. The USDA, which produces global crop forecasts, currently estimates Japan’s 2025 rice production at 7.28 million tons. While that’s almost steady with a year earlier, it would mark the smallest crop since 2003.