Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday took a negative stance on limiting energy usage amid supply uncertainties due to the war in the Middle East, saying economic activity should not be stopped. "I do not believe economic or social activity should be halted at this point," Takaichi said during a parliament session in response to the need to implement emergency economic measures.
According to Qatar News Agency, Takaichi added that her government is working to secure oil supplies from other sources. She mentioned that, for now, there is no need to compile a supplementary budget, following the approval of a record budget for the 2026 fiscal year in early April. The prime minister emphasized the government's readiness to be flexible in taking necessary measures in response to the uncertain circumstances in the Middle East.
These statements come amid the repercussions of the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, against the backdrop of the war raging in the region since late February. This situation has raised concerns about oil supplies, particularly for Asian countries that rely heavily on energy imports from the Middle East, most notably Japan.