Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin says the government has secured sufficient
natural gas supplies for this month and there will "absolutely be no power
rationing."

This comes amid concerns that escalating hostilities in the Middle East could
trigger rationing.

The Economics Minister says, gas shipments for early March have already
passed through the Strait of Hormuz, while supplies for the second half of
the month have been secured from "alternative markets."

Kung also told lawmakers that he hopes the conflict will be short-lived and
the government use of coal-fired power generation will be "a last resort."

After the hearing, the Ministry of Economic Affairs issued a statement where
it outlined what is called a "three-stage plan" for ensuring fuel supplies in
the event of "extreme conditions," - including a long-term Iranian blockade.

Under that plan, C-P-C will first redirect cargoe from non-Mid East sources
such as the U-S and Australia, then seek supply swaps with Asian buyers such
as Japan and South Korea.

It also plans to obtain oil from spot markets if necessary to ensure
uninterrupted domestic supply.

The ministry further plans L-N-G purchases from the U-S to strengthen energy
resilience.