The government called Thursday on companies and individuals to reinforce efforts to save energy in the wake of the U.S.-led war in Iraq.
It is the first official call for energy saving as an emergency step since the 1990 Middle East crisis that led to the Gulf War, although the government often urges the public to take such action during the summer and winter, when energy demand is strong.
The government will ask factories to redouble energy-saving measures, while urging households and company offices to set air conditioner temperatures more strictly.
For corporations, the government will send written requests to industry associations. The public will be informed via posters and newspaper ads.
Japan has oil reserves to last 171 days of regular consumption and can cope with any immediate energy crisis, government officials said. However, about 86 percent of oil imports come from the Middle East, and the nation remains vulnerable to developments in Iraq, they warned.