TOKYO (Reuters) - The Japanese government is planning to continue gasoline subsidies next year with phased in reductions, the Nikkei newspaper said on Tuesday.

In a draft economic stimulus plan, the subsidies will continue in 2025, but upper price limits for consumers will be raised from about 175 yen ($1.14) per litre to 185 yen, Nikkei said.

The government decided in June to extend gasoline subsidies until the end of the year and to temporarily reintroduce relief on utility bills over the summer.

The gasoline subsidies have been available to fuel wholesalers since January 2022 to lower retail prices. The programme has been extended seven times despite criticism of its impact on public finances.

($1 = 153.6000 yen)

(Reporting by Rocky Swift; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)