Updated Aug 11, 2026 – 4.08pm, first published at 4.00pmTokyo | Australia risks missing out on lucrative new gas contracts with Japan as uncertainty over Canberra’s energy policy and pressure from Washington for Tokyo to buy more American LNG reshape the competition for Japan’s future energy supply.Japanese importers and energy lobbyists have long complained of mixed messages from Canberra on its gas reservation and other policies, and Tokyo’s drive to diversify its energy sources and the deepening commercial and security relationship with President Donald Trump’s White House are adding to the strain.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles