The Japanese government is considering putting a 1,863 mi (3,000 km) natural gas pipeline under the nation’s highways to increase the country’s use of natural gas. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said natural gas accounts for about 13% of Japan’s total energy consumption.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it was considering using existing highway networks as the infrastructure for the pipeline system, as it is easier to build under existing highways than to find new land. Japan has about 4,347 mi (7,000 km) of highways.