JERA Diversifies Supply Base as LNG Stockpiles Reach October Peak

Japan's largest liquefied natural gas buyer, JERA, has confirmed that its stockpiles are sufficient through October, ruling out any risk of shortages during the peak summer cooling period. The company stated that it has secured enough LNG inventories for the high-demand months from August to October and that stable power supply is not in question.

JERA has sharply cut its purchases from Qatar and plans to cover winter needs through its global trading operations. Japan relies heavily on energy imports, with much of its oil and gas historically sourced from the Middle East. Disruptions to export flows linked to regional conflict have pushed the country to seek alternative suppliers, with the United States emerging as the largest low-risk source of LNG.

The company is pursuing a diversified supply base. Last month, it announced a 20-year supply agreement with Malaysia's Petronas, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2028. The Petronas contract covers 2 million tons of LNG per year, adding to JERA's existing supply deals.