GS Yuasa and Panasonic are to increase prices of replacement lead acid batteries for cars in Japan starting in August 2026.

Yuasa said on June 19 it was raising prices by a minimum of 20% — just weeks after announcing an increase of at least 10% for certain lead acid traction batteries, related parts and EV chargers sold in the Japanese market.

Yuasa said prices will be raised on all models of replacement automotive lead acid batteries for cars, motorcycles and cyclic batteries.

Yuasa cited rising costs of raw materials, energy, logistics and labour, in addition to “ongoing uncertainty in global affairs”, which the firm said suggested the high procurement costs for raw materials will likely persist.

The group said the August price increases are despite continuous efforts to streamline production and reduce costs.

“We have determined that, despite our corporate efforts, including securing raw materials, it is difficult to maintain previous prices,” Yuasa said.

Panasonic blamed its increase, announced on June 23, on persistently high component prices for automotive lead acid batteries and rising energy and logistics costs due to soaring crude oil prices.

Instability in the Middle East was also cited, with Panasonic saying prices of resins and tin had surged, making the outlook uncertain.

Yuasa announced a similar price hike three years ago for lead and lithium ion batteries and other products sold in Japan because of increased raw material costs.