Takaichi avoids early energy-saving call amid Gulf tensions
The Japanese premier said she would avoid moves that could hurt economic activity for now, while seeking calls with Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian.
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is delaying a public request for energy conservation despite potential supply shortages linked to tensions in the Middle East.
- She expressed concern that an immediate call to save energy could negatively impact the country's economic activity.
- Takaichi stated she will monitor the situation and make a flexible decision later, rather than acting immediately.
- Instead of a conservation request, she is pursuing diplomatic phone calls with US and Iranian leaders to help de-escalate the situation.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated Tuesday (April 7) that she is cautious about issuing an energy-saving request soon, despite concerns that the country could face energy supply shortages if tensions in the Middle East continue.
"I'm not ready to ask (the public) to save (energy) immediately, in a way that could put the brakes on economic activity," Takaichi said at a House of Councillors Budget Committee meeting. However, she added, "I will judge flexibly while monitoring how the situation evolves," she added.
Takaichi also expressed her willingness to hold phone talks with US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to help de-escalate the situation.
"We must communicate with both the United States and Iran," the prime minister said. "We're pursuing telephone meetings with both presidents."
Following Monday's phone talks between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, Takaichi said, "I want to negotiate myself in the next stage."
Takaichi said she would urge the Iranian president to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to stop attacking neighbouring countries.
In response to an opposition call to extend electricity and gas subsidies, the prime minister noted that electricity and gas consumption is expected to decrease from April.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
