Japan has announced what will be its biggest-ever oil release from strategic national reserves, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirming the historic measure will commence on Thursday. Around 80 million barrels — equivalent to 45 days of Japan’s domestic oil demand — will be directed to refiners across the country. The decision reflects deep concern over the Strait of Hormuz disruptions caused by the US-Israel war against Iran.
The scale of Japan’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil — more than 90% of its crude import needs — leaves it uniquely exposed to any sustained disruption of Hormuz traffic. This is compounded by Japan’s resource-poor status, which offers little domestic alternative. The government’s decision to act early is designed to prevent supply gaps from forming before the full impact of the crisis is felt.
The current release is 1.8 times the size of the Fukushima disaster drawdown — previously the largest in Japan’s history — underscoring just how serious the government regards the current situation. Japan’s total oil reserves stand at approximately 470 million barrels, covering 254 days of domestic demand. The release draws on both state-owned stockpiles and the private-sector reserves that were unlocked last week.
Retail gasoline prices had reached a record ¥190.8 per litre, prompting the government to introduce weekly-adjusted fuel subsidies targeting a cap of approximately ¥170. On the consumer front, social media has stoked unfounded fears about toilet paper availability, leading the trade ministry and paper industry groups to publicly refute the claims. Japan’s household paper sector, which domestically produces 97% of its toilet paper from recycled materials, reaffirmed that supply is stable and expandable if needed.
Takaichi declined to respond militarily, rejecting Trump’s call for Japan to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz on the basis of Japan’s postwar constitution. Tokyo is instead channeling its efforts into diplomatic coordination with allied and regional nations. Japan’s government remains committed to achieving a peaceful resolution while protecting its energy security and the livelihoods of its citizens.