Shifting to Coal, Japan Cuts LNG

The Japanese government will reduce consumption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and increase operations at coal-fired power plants. Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Ryosei Akazawa, stated on Tuesday (7 April) that this step is being taken to maintain energy supply stability amid rising energy prices. “To ensure a stable energy supply, we are reducing LNG usage and taking steps to maximise electricity production from coal-fuelled power plants,” Akazawa said. As an emergency measure, the Japanese government has decided not to impose restrictions on less efficient coal-fired power plants in 2026, which is expected to increase their usage. He added that coal-based electricity, although it produces higher carbon dioxide emissions compared to other sources, remains important for energy resilience because it does not depend on supplies from the Middle East. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including Tehran, causing damage and killing civilians. Iran retaliated by attacking Israel and US military facilities in the Middle East. This escalation of the conflict has effectively halted energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the main global route for oil and LNG supplies. As a result, fuel prices have risen in most countries. According to him, Japan also needs to consider such options to obtain large quantities of supplies at lower prices.