Japan political deadlock deepens with gas tax feud

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's political deadlock deepened on Sunday as ruling and opposition blocs, whose bickering has already left the central bank governor's job empty, clashed over a contentious gasoline tax that expires on March 31.

The stalemate has raised new doubts about Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's future, given his difficulties in coping with a divided parliament, even as concerns about Japan's economy grow. It has also stirred speculation about a snap election that the opposition has made no secret of hoping to see this year.