Japan Asks Australia To Provide Stable Gas Supply Amid Possible Export Curbs
Japan has asked Australia to continue providing the country with a stable supply of liquefied natural gas as Canberra considers curbing exports amid a potential supply crunch.
Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi met with Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen on Friday. They met on the sidelines of the G20 energy ministers' meeting in Bali, Indonesia.
Australia is the biggest exporter of LNG to Japan and provides about 35 percent of its supply.
Nishimura said energy security is at a critical phase due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He said he wants to hold candid discussions with Bowen, as Australia is Japan's most important partner in natural resources and energy.
The meeting was held behind closed doors.
On the possibility of Canberra curtailing LNG exports, Nishimura reportedly asked that Australia continue providing Japan with a stable supply.
Bowen expressed understanding toward Japan's concerns. He reportedly said that the potential gas shortage was not likely to have a major impact on Japan, as the crunch would likely occur in eastern Australia, whereas nearly 90 percent of LNG exports to Japan are shipped from the country's west.
The Australian government plans to decide whether to adopt export curbs by November at the latest. The Japanese government will continue discussions to assess possible impacts.