Concern has mounted over the possible disruption of supplies from Russia, Europe's biggest gas provider.

Japan will divert some liquefied natural gas cargoes to Europe after requests from the United States and the European Union, the industry minister said on Wednesday, a step that aligns the country with the West as tensions flare with Russia.

The extra shipments are expected to arrive next month, minister Koichi Hagiuda told reporters.

We have decided to respond to requests from the United States and EU for sending LNG to Europe, where gas supply is tight, Mr. Hagiuda said after separately meeting with the U.S. and EU ambassadors to Japan earlier in the day.

He said surplus supplies would be diverted once it was clear Japan's local demand could be met and electricity generation would remain stable.

Some already-scheduled LNG cargoes sent by Japanese companies will arrive in Europe in February, with more cargoes, including those to be diverted to Europe at the Japanese government's request, arriving there in March, an industry ministry official said.

The official declined to disclose the number of cargoes heading to Europe, but said the amount to be delivered in March will be higher than in February.