Japan has decided to divert some liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes to Europe in response to requests from the United States and the European Union, with the extra shipments expected to arrive in March, the country's industry minister Koichi Hagiuda said on Wednesday.

The move comes as Europe faces tight LNG supplies amid tensions in Eastern Europe.

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

The diversions will be made after ensuring Japan's local demand will be met, and electricity generation will remain stable, he said.