Japan has been experiencing shortages in the supply of aircraft fuel at airports across the country.

The operator of Narita Airport said on June 27 that the issue affects nearly 60 flights per week at the facility located in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo. 

Narita International Airport Corporation said six Asian airlines could not secure fuel, making them unable to increase or launch up to 57 flights in the space of a week.

The company said that some Asian airlines have resorted to reducing the number of seats available to passengers in order to carry enough fuel for the return flight.

To deal with the fuel shortage, the Japanese government set up a task force last week to discuss how to deal with the issue.

The task force is represented by the public and private sectors, including airlines and oil wholesalers.

The issue has had serious impact on some regional airports such as Hokkaido's Obihiro Airport in northern Japan and Hiroshima Airport in western Japan.

Officials say the fuel shortage has been caused by the lack of transport ships and personnel for carrying aircraft fuel from oil refineries to airports.

There is growing concern that the issue could dampen the steady demand for international travel to Japan.