By Barbara Nwaiwu
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has clarified her administration’s stance on energy conservation, stating that her government will not impose strict energy saving measures despite growing public demand.
Takaichi who disclosed this during a session of the Upper House Budget Committee on Monday, said the government does not consider it necessary to limit energy use at this time.
She stressed that economic and social activities should not be disrupted, even as global tensions continue to affect energy supply.
The Prime Minister’s position comes amid rising pressure linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis, which has raised concerns over fuel supply disruptions for Japan, a country heavily dependent on energy imports from the region.
Despite the government’s cautious approach, public opinion appears to favour stronger action, with about 74% of respondents in a Nikkei and TV Tokyo poll supporting energy saving measures, while another survey by ANN showed 64% backing conservation efforts.
Mr Hideo Suzuki, executive managing director of the Petroleum Association of Japan, said in an interview with Nippon TV on April 23 that Japan was the only nation reliant on Middle Eastern oil that had not taken steps to suppress demand, as he called for swifter action.
However, the association said in a statement on April 24 that the country has secured enough oil for the time being and that no immediate measures to restrict consumption were necessary.
Takaichi said the government would “carefully watch how the situation unfolds and take whatever measures are required without hesitation,” as it continues to monitor developments in global energy markets.