Japan will reduce its dependence on Russian LNG, but cannot give it up yet
Photo: Yogi Muto / social network X / Yulia Sviridenko

Japan plans to gradually reduce its dependence on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), but will not be able to completely stop imports in the short term. This was stated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto, writes Bloomberg.

According to him, since the outbreak of Russia's war against Ukraine, Japan has already reduced its purchases of Russian energy, but LNG imports from the Sakhalin-2 project still account for about 10% of the country's total fuel supply.

This gas "plays an important role" in ensuring Japan's energy security, Mito emphasized.

Japan remains the only country in the Group of Seven (G7) that has not set clear deadlines for abandoning Russian gas.

At the same time, Tokyo recognizes that replacing supplies from Russia will be expensive, as rising purchase prices could lead to higher electricity tariffs.

The statement came amid increased pressure from the United States. Last week, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told his Japanese counterpart that Washington expects complete cessation of Russian energy imports.

Japanese trading companies own stakes in the Sakhalin-2 plant, which is the closest LNG export terminal to the country. Most supplies are made under long-term contracts that do not expire until the 2030s.

Mito emphasized that Tokyo will address the issue of gradual abandonment of Russian LNG in cooperation with international partners, in particular the G7 countries, "based on Japan's national interests."