Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced the start of the country’s biggest-ever strategic oil reserve release, a move driven by mounting concern over the impact of the US-Israel conflict on energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. About 80 million barrels of state-held oil are being released to domestic refiners, equal to 45 days of national demand. The release was announced via Takaichi’s official X account and will begin this week. Japan had already unlocked a separate batch of 15 days’ worth of private-sector reserves the previous week.
The Strait of Hormuz is Japan’s lifeline for oil imports, with more than 90% of its crude supply passing through the waterway. The current conflict has raised fears of a prolonged blockage that could devastate Japan’s refinery sector. Takaichi has navigated the crisis carefully, declining to send Japanese naval forces to the region despite pressure from US President Donald Trump. Japan’s postwar constitution, which restricts the use of military force abroad, has remained the cornerstone of Tokyo’s restrained approach.
The total oil being released — 80 million barrels — is 1.8 times greater than the volume Japan unlocked after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, the previous record for emergency reserve drawdowns. Japan’s overall reserves remain substantial, standing at around 470 million barrels, or approximately 254 days of domestic consumption. The government has described the release as a precautionary measure to prevent refinery shutdowns and supply chain disruptions.
To protect consumers from soaring fuel prices, the government introduced subsidies capping retail petrol at ¥170 per litre after prices hit a record ¥190.8. Subsidies will be reviewed on a weekly basis and can be increased or reduced as market conditions evolve. The government’s combined strategy of reserve releases and direct price support is designed to prevent the energy crisis from translating into consumer hardship. Officials say the measures will remain in place for as long as the situation in the Middle East continues.
Panic-buying of toilet paper and other goods has broken out in some areas, fuelled by social media speculation about shortages. Japan’s trade and industry ministry moved quickly to dispel these fears, pointing out that 97% of toilet paper is made domestically and is not affected by disruptions to oil imports. The national paper industry association backed this position and offered reassurances about stable output. Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and rely on verified information from official sources.