Wagons with Russian coal. File photoTOKYO, Apr 9 Japanese energy company Kyushu Electric Power has decided not to buy Russian coal this year amid increased international sanctions against Russia in light of events in Ukraine, NHK reported.According to the channel, in the last fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, the company purchased about 7% of the total volume of coal required for the operation of its power plants in the Russian Federation. It is also noted that the company does not have long-term contracts with Russian companies for the supply of coal, and new short-term agreements after the beginning of the Russian military operation in Ukraine was not concluded. Thus, the channel believes, the energy company has already managed to find an alternative to Russian supplies, and therefore no negative impact on work is expected. The day before, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the government intends to reduce the volume of coal imports from Russia and eventually introduce a complete embargo on its supplies. In addition, in cooperation with the international community, official Tokyo intends to reduce dependence on Russian energy resources. Earlier, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Koichi Hagiuda announced that Japan would gradually reduce coal imports from Russia. He also explained that Japan will seek a replacement for Russian coal in order to reduce the impact of this move on the population and industry. plant operation in Russia
