TOKYO, March 3 (Reuters) - Japan's Trade Minister Ryusei Akazawa said on Tuesday that the halt in Qatari liquefied natural gas production as a result of Iranian attacks would not immediately affect Japan's energy supplies.

He added that Japan could resort to the spot market or purchase from energy companies in the event of any impact.

Akazawa explained at a regular press conference that Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) accounts for four percent of Japan’s total LNG imports, and reiterated that the government has no specific plans to release oil stockpiles.