TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A major liquefied natural gas-producing country has assured Taiwan it can help with supplies amid the global energy crunch caused by the conflict involving Iran.

Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) said the country’s energy minister contacted him two weeks ago and said “they would fully support our natural gas needs,” per Reuters. “If we have any demand, we can let them know,” Kung added.

“Another country even said that some countries have released strategic petroleum reserves, and they could also help coordinate matters if Taiwan needs assistance,” he said.

“This shows that Taiwan has in fact earned considerable goodwill internationally through the long-term trust it has built over the years,” Kung said. Because Taiwan maintains good relations with its crude oil and natural gas suppliers, adjusting shipment origins or purchasing additional spot cargoes will not be a challenge, he said.

Taiwan relied on Qatar for approximately one-third of its LNG before the conflict, Reuters said.

CPC Chairman Fang Jeng-zen (方振仁) said Taiwan’s new deal with the US will see 1.2 million metric tons of LNG delivered annually.

Last month, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) said oil and coal reserves exceeded the legally required amount. Scheduling for natural gas imports for April has been completed, and arrangements for May onward are being made, she said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) said Taiwan is pursuing a more diversified energy supply and seeking alternative sources to reduce reliance on specific regions. He added that Taiwan will increase purchases of liquefied natural gas from the US to strengthen energy security.

Chen also said the government has established mechanisms to cushion the impact of global energy price fluctuations on people’s livelihoods and industry, and is continuing to review various energy options to enhance the overall stability of the energy system.