Japanese PM rejects energy curbs to keep economy running

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi/PHOTO via Instagram @takaichi_sanae

JAKARTA - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has rejected a parliamentary proposal to impose energy rationing policies for the country's people amid supply uncertainties due to the conflict in the Middle East.

PM Takaichimenegaskan kegiatan perekonomiantidak boleh dihentikan.

"I am not sure that economic and social activities should be stopped at this time," he said in response to a question from an opposition member of parliament regarding the need to implement emergency economic measures.

Takaichi also ensured that his government continued to take a stance to secure the supply of commodities from other sources.

Takaichi said that until now he had not seen the Japanese government set aside additional funds for the country, especially after the Japanese parliament approved the 2026 state budget of 122.31 trillion yen (Rp13.23 quadrillion) in early April.

"The Japanese government can also still rely on reserve funds from the state budget, if necessary, to respond to the impact of the conflict in the Middle East," he said.

As reported by ANTARA from Kyodo, Prime Minister Takaichi assured that his government would flexibly take the necessary actions to respond to the uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East.

Takaichidi's parliamentary comments came as the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that channels more than 20 percent of the total global energy supply, began to effectively close since the war between the United States and Israel against Iran took place in late February.

As a result, Asian countries that rely on crude oil imports are calling for savings and reducing fuel consumption. Japan relies on the Middle East for crude oil imports.

As reported, a number of countries have taken steps as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea called for a reduction in energy use and Malaysia encouraged its citizens to work from home (WFH).