Public-Private Working Group on Winter LNG Supply
Overview
On November 4, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry held the fifth working group meeting with practitioners from relevant organizations and businesses to discuss winter electricity and gas supply-demand and LNG procurement and security. Participants shared information. While there is no immediate fuel shortage at present, the group urged businesses to procure LNG steadily and according to plan, and confirmed that the public and private sectors would respond together, including through cross-industry LNG transfers, if supply-demand tightness is expected.
Key points
- The fifth working group meeting was held on November 4, 2026.
- At present, there is no immediate fuel shortage.
- The group urged businesses to procure LNG steadily and according to plan, and confirmed a coordinated public-private response, including cross-industry transfers, if supply-demand tightness is expected.
Overview
The international energy situation and other factors have left the outlook for fuel (LNG) uncertain, requiring continued monitoring to ensure stable electricity and gas supply this winter.
The working group met to share views and concerns about this winter’s supply-demand outlook and the importance of procuring and securing LNG as the fundamental prerequisite for stable supply.
Details
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry held the fifth working group meeting under the public-private liaison council with relevant organizations and businesses. Participants were practitioners from electricity and gas organizations and businesses responsible for LNG procurement, resource development organizations and businesses, and trading companies.
Participants shared information on the electricity and gas supply-demand situation for the coming winter. In light of current conditions, the group asked electricity and gas businesses to continue procuring LNG steadily and according to plan, and confirmed that the public and private sectors would respond together through measures such as LNG transfers across industry boundaries if supply-demand tightness is expected.