Head of opposition party says Japan should use nuclear power to counter Iran crisis

Yuichiro Tamaki, the leader of an opposition party in Japan, stated on Monday that Japan should use all its nuclear 'power plants to offset the impact of a war with Iran on?electricity?bills.

Around 95% of Japan's oil and 11% of its gas imports come from the Middle East, with 70% and 6% coming through the Strait of Hormuz. This is a?closed Strait due to the conflict.

In a recent statement, Tamaki, the leader of the Democratic Party for the People, stated that electricity bills will rise unless we fully utilize?nuclear energy as a carbon free power source and reduce our dependence on foreign sources.

The oil prices rose by about 20% on Sunday, reaching their highest level since July 2022 as fears of a tighter supply were fueled by the U.S./Israeli war against Iran.

Japan closed all 54 of its nuclear power reactors, which provided around 30% of the nation's electricity in 2011, following the Fukushima Daiichi meltdowns. Thirty-three reactors remain operational, but only 15 of them have been restarted.

Tamaki, who is a strong supporter of restarting and expanding?nuclear power in Japan, said that a policy shift was needed to protect lives.

The Japanese public has also become more pro-nuclear under the leadership of the new Prime Minister,?Sanae Takayi.

(source: Reuters)