Japan Prepares Strategic Oil Reserve as Strait of Hormuz Disruption Threatens Supply
Japan has started preparations to release crude from its strategic oil reserves as tensions involving Iran threaten tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and raise concerns about energy supply security.
A Japanese lawmaker said the government instructed a national oil storage facility to prepare for a possible release of crude supplies. The directive reportedly reached the Shibushi national oil storage base through the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security following guidance from the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Hormuz Shipping Risks Raise Energy Security Concerns
The move comes as shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption due to the escalating conflict involving Iran. The narrow passage is one of the most critical maritime routes for global energy trade.
Japan depends heavily on crude oil imports from the Middle East. About 95 percent of the country’s oil supply originates from the region. Roughly 70 percent of these shipments normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz on crude tankers.
Any prolonged disruption to tanker traffic could therefore affect Japan’s energy security and domestic supply stability.
Large Strategic Oil Reserves Available
Japan maintains one of the world’s largest emergency crude stockpiles. Government reserves, industry inventories and joint reserves with producing countries together equal about 254 days of domestic oil consumption.
The Shibushi facility in southern Japan is one of the storage bases used to hold part of these national reserves.
Officials have not confirmed whether a release will take place. The possible volume of crude and the timing of any supply drawdown remain unclear.
Possible Coordination With International Partners
Authorities said any decision to release crude reserves would aim to stabilize supply rather than influence oil prices. Officials are closely monitoring crude markets and tanker shipping conditions.
Japan could also coordinate any reserve release with international partners. Strategic stockpile releases are often organized through the International Energy Agency during major supply disruptions.
Japan previously joined such a coordinated action in 2022 after the energy market shock that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The situation again highlights the strategic importance of tanker shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz for Asian energy importers and global oil supply chains.
