JT Expects Near Normal Tobacco Supplies In May; Shortage Fears Loom

(Dow Jones) Japan Tobacco Inc. said Tuesday that tobacco supplies will approach normal levels in May after the suspension of domestic tobacco shipments by the company leads to a sharp drop in supplies in April. However, some stores even far away from the quake-hit areas have started limiting tobacco purchases by customers on fears that tobacco inventories are running out. Two of JT's six domestic plants in northern Tokyo that turn out one third of its overall domestic tobacco output were damaged by the massive earthquake, and there is no information yet on when operations will resume at the plants. Continued

Also: Philip Morris says business in Japan intact