TOKYO: The Japanese government is considering additionally providing liquefied natural gas to Europe, following the launch of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, it was learned Saturday.

Amid the Ukraine crisis, Tokyo has so far decided LNG supplies to Europe until March. The government is now ready to supply the region with part of LNG in excess of domestic consumption in and after April as well, depending on further developments in the Ukraine situation, informed sources said.

The government said Feb. 9 that part of LNG held by the private sector will be provided to Europe at the requests of the U.S. government and others. The supply amount in March will total hundreds of thousands of tons.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Koichi Hagiuda has said, “We ask each of companies concerned to consider responding to the matter as much as possible (in April and later) while monitoring the situation.”

For much of natural gas it consumes, Europe depends on supplies from Russia mainly through pipelines.

As the European Union has decided to impose economic sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, concerns are growing that Russia could stop natural gas supplies to Europe in retaliation.

JIJI Press