Japanese public wants energy-saving as Takaichi holds back

As conflict in Iran strains energy supplies, Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi faces growing public demand for conservation while resisting mandatory measures. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Japanese public wants energy-saving as Takaichi holds back

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Japan’s public is increasingly calling for energy-saving measures as the war in Iran disrupts global oil supplies, but Prime Minister Takaichi is holding back from imposing mandatory restrictions, seeking instead to calm fears of shortages without alarming the nation. The conflict, now in its third month, has sent crude prices soaring and raised the specter of supply disruptions for resource-poor Japan, which relies on imports for nearly all of its energy needs. Takaichi’s cautious approach reflects a delicate balancing act: acknowledging the crisis without triggering panic or economic fallout. The war in Iran has cut off a major source of Middle Eastern oil, forcing Japan to tap into strategic reserves and accelerate talks with alternative suppliers in Southeast Asia and Africa. Yet the public mood, as reflected in recent polls, shows a strong preference for voluntary conservation over government mandates. Citizens have begun turning off lights, reducing air conditioning use, and cutting back on driving, but many worry these individual efforts may not be enough. Takaichi, facing pressure from both industry groups and opposition lawmakers, has so far resisted calls for a nationwide rationing system, arguing that voluntary steps can suffice if the crisis remains contained. Japan’s energy landscape has been precarious since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which led to the shutdown of most nuclear reactors. The country now relies heavily on liquefied natural gas and coal, both of which have spiked in price due to the Iran conflict. Analysts warn that a prolonged war could force Japan to reintroduce mandatory energy-saving targets, last seen during the 1970s oil shocks. For now, Takaichi’s government has launched a public awareness campaign, urging businesses and households to reduce consumption by 10 percent, but critics say this lacks teeth and may not prevent blackouts during peak summer months. The prime minister’s reluctance to impose binding measures stems from political and economic concerns. Mandatory restrictions could slow Japan’s fragile post-pandemic recovery, hurt small businesses, and alienate voters ahead of local elections next year. Takaichi, who took...

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Categoria: cronaca