Overview
- Japan and Indonesia, in a meeting Tuesday in Tokyo, agreed to step up coordination on energy security as leaders flagged tighter oil and gas supplies.
- Both sides urged early de-escalation in the Middle East to keep shipping safe through the Strait of Hormuz, which reports describe as effectively blocked by Iran.
- Talks included supply options, with Reuters reporting Indonesia may trade more liquefied natural gas for Japanese liquefied petroleum gas, though no swap was confirmed.
- Japan is cushioning shortfalls at home by allowing more coal-fired power from April, tapping oil reserves, and extending fuel subsidies.
- The push comes as fuel strains spread across Asia, with China curbing refined fuel exports and countries such as the Philippines declaring emergencies and others rationing.