Japan turns to Australia for LNG as Middle East supplies face disruption

Japan’s industry minister Ryosei Akazawa has asked Australia to increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to Japan as the crisis in the Middle East threatens regional energy supplies.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Madeleine King, Australia’s minister for natural resources, Akazawa emphasised that stable LNG supplies from Australia are critical for Japan’s energy security amid the escalating disruptions.

“In this unprecedented situation, accessible and stable LNG supplies from Australia are the key to the energy security of Japan and the entire region,” Akazawa said.

He added that Tokyo hopes Canberra will continue supporting stable energy deliveries and increase production where possible.

“We would sincerely like to ask you to continue contributing to stable supplies, including by increasing production as much as possible,” he said.

According to Al Jazeera, about 11% of Japan’s LNG imports originate from the Middle East, with 6% of those shipments passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Currently, Australia provides roughly 40% of Japan’s total LNG imports, making it the country’s largest supplier.

The request comes as global LNG markets face growing uncertainty. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s LNG supplies are at risk after Qatar decided to suspend gas production due to the ongoing conflict that has disrupted energy flows from the Middle East.

Last week, Saad al-Kaabi, Qatar’s energy minister, said it could take months before normal LNG supply levels are restored.

By Tamilla Hasanova