Foreign media: On March 14, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akisato Akazawa met with Australian Resources Minister Madeline King in Tokyo, requesting Australia to increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) production to address the energy supply tension caused by the Middle East crisis.
Japan relies on the Middle East for about 11% of its LNG imports, with 6% transported through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been practically closed due to the US-Israel-Iran war; Japan also depends on this region for 95% of its crude oil supply.
Due to the war, Qatar Energy's LNG facilities have stopped production, causing a disruption in about 20% of global LNG supplies, which will take several months to resume normal operations. Australia is Japan's largest LNG supplier, accounting for 40% of its imports, and Akazawa stated that Australia's stable supply is a "lifeline."
Madeline King responded that Australia is a "trustworthy partner," and the Scarborough and Barossa gas fields are about to come online, further increasing natural gas production in Western Australia.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859643312307495/
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