Japan’s government has launched a historic intervention in its domestic energy market, announcing the country will begin its biggest-ever oil release from strategic national reserves this Thursday. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said around 80 million barrels — equal to 45 days of domestic oil demand — would be provided to domestic refiners. The government is acting in response to threats to oil tanker transit through the Strait of Hormuz posed by the US-Israel war on Iran.
Japan’s heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil — more than 90% of its crude imports — makes it especially susceptible to supply disruptions from the region. Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has already been put under pressure by the ongoing conflict, creating urgent concern in Tokyo. The government’s multi-pronged emergency response aims to forestall potential shortages before they affect businesses or consumers.
At 80 million barrels, this is the largest oil reserve release in Japanese history, surpassing the Fukushima earthquake-related drawdown of 2011 by 1.8 times. Japan’s full strategic reserve capacity stands at approximately 470 million barrels — 254 days of domestic consumption. The government had already unlocked 15 days of private-sector reserves last week, and this state deployment adds significant additional supply.
Fuel subsidies have been introduced to limit gasoline prices to approximately ¥170 per litre, following prices that had soared to a record high of ¥190.8. Consumer anxiety amplified by social media has led to unfounded worries about toilet paper shortages, though the trade ministry and paper industry have reassured the public. Japan’s toilet paper is 97% domestically produced using recycled materials, making it entirely insulated from Middle East supply chain issues.
Takaichi has rebuffed Trump’s call for Japanese naval forces to patrol the Strait of Hormuz, citing constitutional limitations established after World War II. Japan will continue diplomatic engagement to encourage peace and stability in the Middle East, working alongside its international partners. The government remains focused on protecting Japan’s energy supply and economic stability through strategic and peaceful means.