Japan PM Opposes Urging Japanese To Save Energy Amid West Asia Crisis

TOKYO, April 27 (Bernama) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday took a negative stance on urging the Japanese public to limit energy usage amid supply uncertainties due to the war in West Asia, saying economic activity should not be stopped, Kyodo News reported.

Her comments in parliament came as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the US-Israeli war against Iran, which began on Feb 28, has led other resource-poor Asian nations to call for reduced fuel consumption. Japan relies on West Asia for its crude oil imports.

"I do not believe economic or social activity should be halted at this point," Takaichi said in response to a question from an opposition lawmaker on the need to implement emergency economic measures.

She added that her government is working to secure oil supplies from other sources.

Among other Asian countries affected by the strait's closure, South Korea has urged its people to reduce their energy usage, while Malaysia is promoting working from home to cut consumption.

Takaichi said that, for now, she does not see the need to compile a supplementary budget after parliament enacted a record 122.31 trillion yen (US$768 billion) fiscal 2026 budget earlier in April, with the government able to tap the budget's reserve funds if needed to respond to the West Asia situation.

The prime minister added that the uncertainty surrounding the West Asia means the government will "be flexible in taking necessary measures in response to circumstances."

-- BERNAMA-KYODO