TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has already secured about half of its replacement natural gas arrangements for June, with inventories holding above the legal safety threshold since fighting in the Middle East broke out on Feb. 28.

Speaking at the Legislature on Tuesday, Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) said gas stocks have stayed above 12 days, while supply planning for March, April, and May is already in place and June is partly covered, per RTI. No gas shortages are forecast.

The issue drew attention as lawmakers questioned officials over energy security and the possible restart of nuclear power. Kung said gas especially matters because it now accounts for nearly half of Taiwan’s power generation, with excess capacity crucial to maintain during periods of turmoil.

He also said the government will keep pursuing what it sees as safe energy options over the medium to long term. That includes renewables, natural gas, and using coal-fired generation as backup.

Asked whether a nuclear restart would reshape Taiwan’s power mix, Kung said it would, but added that fast growth in electricity demand tied to AI development makes it hard to say what the new balance would look like, per the report. He also said it is still unclear whether restarted nuclear units, if approved, would serve as a long-term source of baseload power or only as a temporary bridge.