Japan is stepping up its response to the Middle East energy crisis, announcing it will begin its biggest-ever oil release from strategic national reserves. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi revealed that approximately 80 million barrels — equivalent to 45 days of domestic consumption — will be released to refiners starting Thursday. The decision was driven by the escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran and the resulting threat to Strait of Hormuz shipping.
As one of the world’s most oil-dependent major economies, Japan imports more than 90% of its crude from the Middle East, leaving it with very little insulation from regional disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint, and any prolonged closure could create severe shortages for Japan’s refiners, power generators, and transportation networks. The government has acted swiftly to deploy its reserves before supply gaps emerge.
The release eclipses all previous Japanese reserve drawdowns in scale, exceeding the Fukushima-era response by 1.8 times. Japan’s current total stockpile stands at around 470 million barrels — sufficient for 254 days of consumption at current rates. This latest action draws from both government-owned and private-sector reserves to maximize the impact.
To protect consumers from price spikes, the government has introduced subsidies that will cap gasoline at approximately ¥170 per litre, following a record high of ¥190.8. Social media-fueled fears about household goods shortages, particularly toilet paper, have prompted government clarification that domestic supply is not at risk. Industry associations confirmed that nearly all toilet paper sold in Japan is produced domestically from recycled paper and pulp.
Japan has declined to respond militarily, with Takaichi invoking the country’s postwar constitution to resist Trump’s request for naval deployment to the Strait of Hormuz. The government instead pledged to intensify diplomatic efforts alongside international partners. Tokyo remains focused on stabilizing the situation through peaceful means while protecting its domestic energy supply.