Japan aims to introduce plans to aid the procurement of LNG supplies and restrict consumption in the event of a disruption to gas supplies.

• The scheme has been discussed since July and would enable state-run Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp (JOGMEC) to buy LNG on behalf of city gas providers in the event they are unable to purchase supplies directly.
• Japan may also make legal amendments to force city gas users to restrict the consumption during a supply crisis.
• Similar schemes are included in the Electricity Business Act but are not included in the Gas Business Act.
• The government aims to make the measures effective before the winter according to an industry ministry official.