Japan declined Thursday to comment on US media report saying Washington has requested Japan and others countries to consider releasing crude stockpiles in response to the recent surge in global oil prices.
“There are various interactions between Japan and the US on a routine basis, and I refrain from commenting on each talk,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference when asked about the report.
“While paying close attention to the impact of soaring oil prices on a trend in the international energy market and Japan’s economy, we will continue to urge oil-producing countries to increase output, and strengthen our cooperation with major consuming countries and related international organizations to stabilize the energy market,” the top government spokesman said.
Matsuno’s remarks came after reports Wednesday saying that Joe Biden administration has asked some of the world’s largest oil consuming nations — including Japan, China and India and Japan — to consider releasing strategic oil reserves in a coordinated effort to lower global energy prices.
