TOKYO, Feb 4, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Japanese energy firm JERA said Tuesday it had agreed a 27-year deal to buy gas from Qatar, as Tokyo comes under pressure to reduce Russian imports while ensuring enough supplies for power-hungry data centres and AI. JERA said it signed a long-term agreement with QatarEnergy to purchase 3.0 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually for 27 years from 2028. Japan is also facing a predicted rise in electricity demand from power-hungry data centres for use in artificial intelligence technologies. The administration of President Donald Trump has also encouraged Japan to buy more US energy and to reduce purchases of Russian gas. And in September the firm said it would consider buying LNG from a mooted major gas project in Alaska that has been championed by Trump.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 04, 2026 08:26 UTC