Japan to Begin Oil Reserve Release as Middle East Tensions Rise

(MENAFN) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Tuesday that the country will begin releasing oil from its national reserves later this week, as fears of supply disruptions grow due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, according to reports.

The planned release, set to start Thursday, is intended to soften the economic impact of instability in the Middle East. It follows a similar move last week, when Japan began drawing from privately held oil reserves to stabilize supply conditions.

Takaichi also indicated that oil stockpiles jointly held in Japan with Middle Eastern producers will start being utilized by the end of the month as part of broader efforts to secure energy access.

Highlighting the broader implications of the crisis, she stated, "The peace and stability of the Middle East are extremely important for Japan and the international community." She further emphasized that Tokyo will continue to "make all necessary diplomatic efforts in close coordination with related countries."

During recent talks in Washington, Takaichi and Donald Trump reaffirmed the importance of maintaining stable energy flows, particularly by ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for global oil shipments that has effectively been shut down by Iran.

Tensions in the region have intensified since late February, when US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran. In response, Tehran has carried out multiple drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as Gulf states hosting American military assets, further heightening concerns over energy security.

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