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The Japanese government began releasing oil reserves on Monday to address supply disruptions caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. and Israeli strikes on the country.
Officials said the release marks the first such operation in four years and involves oil from private-sector reserves equivalent to 15 days of domestic consumption. Additional releases from state reserves, totaling 30 days’ worth, are planned as early as late March.
Authorities warned that the number of oil tankers arriving in Japan could drop sharply by Friday due to the strait closure, prompting urgent action to maintain stable supplies of oil-related products.
In its official gazette, the government lowered the mandatory oil reserve requirement for refiners and other businesses from 70 days to 55 days of domestic consumption.
As of the end of last year, private-sector oil reserves stood at 101 days’ worth, stored in tanks at domestic refineries.
The government emphasized that the reserve release aims to prevent disruptions to industrial and consumer needs caused by limited tanker arrivals.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and coordinating with energy suppliers to ensure continued domestic supply.
The release of strategic reserves is part of Japan’s broader energy security strategy to protect the country from external shocks affecting global oil trade.
