This week, Joe Biden announced a ban on imports of Russian energy without the participation of European allies. The UK said that it would phase out imports of Russian oil by the end of the year
Tokyo, March 10 - Neftegaz.RU.Japan is considering its options about Russian oil after the United States
banned on Tuesday U.S. imports of energy from Russia, including oil, coal, and LNG, OilPrice has reported.
Japan has been in close coordination with the Western allies regarding sanctions against Russia, but it has not yet decided whether it would ban imports of
Russian oil.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday, as carried by Jiji Press:
- We'd like to work together with (other) Group of Seven nations and the international community to handle the matter, while considering a stable energy supply and security as the best interests of Japan
Chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference:
- While cooperating with the international community including our G-7 partners, we'll consider and take effective action in an appropriate manner
In 2021, Russia accounted for around 4 % of Japanese crude oil imports, and 9 % of its
LNG imports.
Masakazu Tokura, the chairman of Japan's biggest business lobby, the Japan Business Federation, said earlier this week it would be difficult to replace Russian
crude oil immediately.
On Tuesday, Japan ratcheted up
sanctions against officials in Russia and Belarus and banned exports of oil refinery equipment to Russia.
Author:
Charles Kennedy
