00:00Japan has approved US$3 billion in spending to help households cover energy bills this summer
00:06as utility costs rise amid the Iran conflict.
00:10The measures are aimed at offsetting electricity and gas costs between July and September
00:15when demand for air conditioning typically surges.
00:21The subsidies will be funded through reserve allocation set aside under Japan's current fiscal budget.
00:27Japan has introduced similar energy support measures intermittently in recent years,
00:32particularly during summer and winter months when cooling and heating demand increases.
00:37Like many Asian economists, Japan remains heavily dependent on imported energy supplies from the Middle East.
00:44On Monday, Prime Minister Sanae Takeuchi also announced plans for a separate US$19 billion package
00:50aimed at addressing the rising cost of daily goods.
00:53She said the government expects Japan to maintain a stable oil supply through at least next spring.
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