Japan to consider energy-saving request carefully

Amid concerns over a possible prolonged military conflict between the U.S.-Israel camp and Iran, the government will make a decision on the matter after assessing the impact of the Middle East situation on energy supply and the Japanese economy.

"We'll consider all policy options in a way that would not greatly impact the people or the economy," industry minister Ryosei Akazawa said at the day's press conference.

"Energy-saving consciousness is high in Japan," a senior government official said.

"The public is expected to respond quickly if we request it."

Suggesting that Japan still has adequate oil stockpiles, the official added that the government "will not make such a request until at least after the Golden Week holiday period (from late April to early May)."

During the 1973 oil crisis, Japan launched an oil conservation campaign, urging people to refrain from driving on Sundays, driving at slow speeds on expressways and limiting late-night television programs.

At a House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not deny the possibility of a government request for energy and petroleum product conservation.

"We'll respond flexibly without ruling out any possibilities," Takaichi said.

At the same time, she said that there are currently no issues with Japan's oil and energy supplies.

To address soaring crude oil prices amid the Middle East situation, the Takaichi administration has taken measures such as releasing oil reserves and expanding subsidies to help consumers.

U.S. President Donald Trump, however, has not presented a concrete plan to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil chokepoint that is currently under a de facto blockade by Iran following U.S.-Israeli attacks.

This has fueled concerns that the ongoing conflict may drag on longer than expected.

A former cabinet minister from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party said, "I wonder if it's right to spur (energy and gasoline) consumption through subsidies, at a time when we don't know how long the conflict will last."

A government source admitted that it is "contradictory to encourage consumption through subsidies while working to secure a stable supply of critical products."

An energy-saving request would likely be a blow to the Japanese economy.

An aide to the prime minister said, "Restrictions on economic activities would cause huge losses, while our country still has oil reserves."