The Japanese government is taking the most sweeping emergency energy action in its history, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirming that Japan will begin its biggest-ever oil release from national reserves this week. About 80 million barrels of strategically stockpiled oil — equal to 45 days of national demand — will be supplied to domestic refiners beginning Thursday. The move addresses the growing threat to oil supplies posed by the US-Israel conflict with Iran in the Middle East.
Japan, which imports over 90% of its crude from Middle Eastern nations, is among the most vulnerable advanced economies to disruptions in Hormuz tanker traffic. The government had already approved the release of 15 days of private oil stockpiles, and this state-level action brings the total response to unprecedented levels. Officials are committed to ensuring that refiners do not face supply shortfalls in the weeks ahead.
The volume released this time is 1.8 times greater than what Japan deployed during the Fukushima nuclear emergency in 2011, reflecting the extraordinary nature of the current threat. Japan holds total oil reserves of approximately 470 million barrels — equivalent to 254 days of domestic consumption. This comprehensive mobilization of reserves is designed to ensure energy continuity across the country.
To protect households from rising energy costs, the government introduced weekly fuel subsidies that cap gasoline at approximately ¥170 per litre, following a record retail price of ¥190.8. On the consumer side, social media misinformation about toilet paper shortages has caused unnecessary alarm, but authorities and industry groups have clearly stated that supply is stable. Japan’s paper industry confirmed that 97% of toilet paper is domestically produced and not dependent on Middle East supply chains.
Prime Minister Takaichi rejected Trump’s suggestion to deploy Japanese naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, citing constitutional restrictions on Japan’s use of military force. Japan will instead intensify its diplomatic efforts to encourage stability in the Middle East. The government has made clear that it will pursue all appropriate means to protect Japanese citizens and the broader international community from the consequences of this conflict.