NHK has learned that the Japanese government plans to issue bonds worth over 6.6 trillion yen, or 44 billion dollars, to cover a supplementary budget for the current fiscal year.

The budget is being compiled to pay for an economic package to ease the pain of inflation. The measures include a resumption of subsidies for power and gas bills. There will also be a cash handout for lower-income households that don't need to pay residential tax.

The total price tag in the general account will likely come to over 90 billion dollars. Tax revenues for this fiscal year are expected to be more than 25 billion dollars higher than estimated. That, plus last year's surplus, will cover some of the spending. But it will not be sufficient. The additional bonds are intended to make up for the shortfall.

The government hopes to get the budget passed by the end of the year.