Shale gas imports may cut Japan's fuel cost by 15%

A government-affiliated bank says Japan may be able to cut its fuel costs significantly if it can import shale natural gas from the United States.

The Development Bank of Japan released its estimate on Saturday.

It says if Japan can gain access to cheaper shale gas, it will be able to negotiate lower prices for other types of natural gas. It estimated that Japan's overall fuel cost could be reduced by up to 15.2 percent from the current level in 2020.

Japan has increased natural gas imports for thermal power generation as most of its nuclear power plants are offline. Natural gas imports exceeded 64-billion dollars in 2012.
[link to www3.nhk.or.jp]
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