The Japanese government has approved and begun the biggest release of strategic oil reserves in the nation’s history, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed this week. Around 80 million barrels are being made available to domestic refiners — a volume representing 45 days of Japan’s domestic oil demand. The decision comes as fighting between the US, Israel, and Iran intensifies, raising fears that the Strait of Hormuz could be disrupted or closed. Japan imports more than 90% of its crude from the Middle East, and this strategic chokepoint is central to its energy security.
The announcement followed last week’s government approval to release 15 days’ worth of private-sector oil stocks. Together, these releases constitute the most significant peacetime energy intervention Japan has ever undertaken. Takaichi stated that Tokyo is committed to diplomatic engagement to help restore stability in the Middle East. She also reiterated to US President Trump that Japan’s constitution prevents it from sending its maritime self-defence forces to the Strait of Hormuz.
The 80 million barrel figure is striking in its scale, being 1.8 times the volume released after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. That crisis had temporarily shuttered Japan’s entire fleet of nuclear power plants, driving a surge in demand for imported oil. Japan’s total reserves — approximately 470 million barrels — remain at a level covering around 254 days of domestic consumption. Officials say the current drawdown, while large, leaves the country with significant strategic buffer.
Government subsidies have been implemented to prevent pump prices from rising further after hitting a record ¥190.8 per litre. Caps of ¥170 have been set, with weekly reviews planned to track oil market movements. The dual approach of reserve releases and price controls is designed to keep both supply and affordability intact. The government has signalled it will maintain these measures for as long as the crisis persists.
Social media panic about household product shortages has spread across Japan, with some consumers stockpiling toilet paper, cat food, and beer. The trade ministry acted swiftly to counter the misinformation, pointing out that domestic toilet paper production relies on recycled materials unrelated to oil. The paper industry body reaffirmed that supply is normal and scalable. Officials hope measured communication will head off a consumer panic that could exacerbate an already challenging economic situation.