JAPAN CONSIDERS KAZAKHSTAN AS POTENTIAL OIL SUPPLIER AMID WEST ASIA CONFLICT: MINISTER

TOKYO, March 25 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Japan is considering Kazakhstan as a potential source of oil as part of efforts to diversify imports amid risks of supply disruptions from West Asia, Ryosei Akazawa, Japanese minister of state for economy, trade and industry, said on Wednesday, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

"Companies are currently working to diversify procurement by reaching out to countries with which they already have supply experience. We consider securing alternative oil sources, including Kazakhstan, where there is potential to increase production, an urgent task," the minister said during parliamentary hearings in the upper house.

He added that diversifying supplies is necessary in the event of prolonged shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of Japan's oil imports pass.

Japanese government officials on Monday stated that they are working to expand oil purchases, including from Southeast Asian countries, as well as from South America and Canada.

Japan depends on West Asia countries for 94 per cent of its oil supplies, with almost all shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has virtually halted. On March 16, Japan began releasing 80 million barrels of oil, an amount equivalent to 45 days of the country's oil supply.

On Feb 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the West Asia region.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI