Japan’s JERA will boost its purchases of liquefied natural gas from the United States to up to 5.5 million tons annually, making up close to a third of its total LNG, up from 10% at the moment. The move aims to reduce the Japanese energy company’s dependence on Australia in LNG supply, Reuters reported, citing the company. The purchases will be made under long-term contracts, with deliveries starting from 2030. Half of the contracted amount, or 2.5 million tons annually, is part of non-binding agreements. The LNG producers involved…