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Sanae Takaichi, Japanese Prime Minister, has outlined steps to secure Japan’s energy supplies, stating that the country expects to meet around 60 per cent of its crude oil demand for May through routes that avoid the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement followed a high-level government meeting focused on the ongoing situation in West Asia and its impact on global energy flows.
According to the Prime Minister’s office, Japan is diversifying its sourcing strategy to reduce reliance on traditional routes.
PM Takaichi:”I held a Ministerial Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East. Regarding alternative crude oil procurement that does not pass through the Strait of Hormuz, we have an outlook for securing approximately 60% for May. In addition to the (1/4) pic.twitter.com/kQnjX3D2wt
— PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) April 24, 2026
Middle East and the U.S., supplies will also come from Central Asia, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific. For dialysis tubing, which we rely on imports, we have secured the necessary supply volumes through the end of September by prioritizing petroleum-based materials for (2/4)
— PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) April 24, 2026
overseas facilities operated by Japanese companies. I have also instructed the minister in charge to fully utilize the POWERR Asia framework to ensure stable supply volumes from October onward. For plastic agricultural materials, including mulch sheets and rice bags, we have(3/4)
— PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) April 24, 2026
confirmed that the quantities needed for this spring have been procured. To address concerns about future procurement, we will closely review supply chains and work with raw material manufacturers to ensure stable supply and prevent any disruption to food supply.” (4/4)
— PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) April 24, 2026
In addition to supplies from the Middle East and the United States, Japan plans to increase imports from regions such as Central Asia, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific to maintain stable energy inflows.
The government has also taken steps to secure essential petroleum-based materials.
Authorities confirmed that supplies needed for medical items such as dialysis tubing have been ensured until the end of September by prioritising production at overseas facilities operated by Japanese firms.
Officials said they have already arranged adequate quantities of agricultural plastic products for the current season. These include mulch sheets and rice packaging materials.
The Prime Minister directed relevant ministries to make full use of regional cooperation frameworks. The move aims to address longer-term concerns. It is intended to maintain supply stability from October onwards.
Additional measures include close monitoring of supply chains and coordination with manufacturers to prevent disruptions that could affect food production.
Separately, Japan has decided to release more oil from its strategic reserves starting May 1. This follows an earlier move to draw down stockpiles to stabilise domestic supply after tensions escalated in West Asia.
According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the latest release will involve about 5.8 million kilolitres of crude. The value is roughly 540 billion yen.
Japan remains heavily dependent on West Asia for its oil needs. More than 90 per cent of its imports originate from the region. Much of this supply typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Also Read: Japan To Release More Oil Reserves From 1 May Over Strait Of Hormuz Concerns
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