日本计划每月购买LNG应急储备，强化供应保障！全年将为应急储备采购至少12船次、84万吨液化天然气，远高于过去两年每年约21万吨的采购量

Group 1 - Japan, the world's second-largest LNG importer, plans to purchase LNG monthly for emergency reserves starting January 2024, rather than only during peak demand periods to mitigate supply disruptions [1] - The Strategic Reserve LNG (SBL) program, operated by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, will be strengthened to ensure at least one shipment of LNG (approximately 70,000 tons) is secured each month to alleviate supply risks [1] - This new strategy means Japan will procure at least 12 shipments, totaling 840,000 tons of LNG annually for emergency reserves, significantly higher than the approximately 210,000 tons purchased each year over the past two years [1] Group 2 - In the absence of emergencies, SBL cargoes can be utilized or resold, indicating flexibility in Japan's LNG management strategy [1] - As domestic demand declines, Japan is expanding its role as an LNG trader, exporting surplus cargoes overseas during periods of weak local consumption [1]