2026-03-24T06:44:57+00:00
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Shafaq News- Tokyo
Japan is tapping its strategic oil reserves to stabilize fuel supplies
amid rising global prices, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed on Tuesday.
In a post on X, Takaichi explained the move ensures the country has
sufficient petroleum products to meet nationwide demand. Last week, Tokyo began
drawing oil equivalent to about 15 days of private-sector reserves.
Japan depends on the Middle East for roughly 95% of its oil imports,
leaving the nation highly exposed to supply disruptions. Its strategic
reserves, among the largest globally, exceeded 400 million barrels as of
December.
ホルムズ海峡における航行の安全の確保を含む中東地域の平和と安定の維持は、エネルギーの安定供給の観点も含め、日本を含む国際社会にとって極めて重要です。… pic.twitter.com/ychGb6J1rh
— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) March 24, 2026
International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries agreed on March 11 to
release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves to offset
the surge in global crude prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump threatened broad strikes on
Iranian energy sites within 48 hours if Tehran does not fully reopen the
Strait. The ultimatum was later postponed by five days, citing advanced talks
with Iran. Tehran, however, rejected Trump’s claims of negotiations, warning it
could fully close the maritime gateway and target regional energy
infrastructure if its power facilities are attacked.