Japan is executing the largest oil reserve release in its history, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announcing the country will begin its biggest-ever oil release from national stockpiles this Thursday. The deployment covers approximately 80 million barrels — equivalent to 45 days of Japan’s total domestic oil demand. The move directly addresses the threat to oil tanker routes through the Strait of Hormuz from the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Japan’s acute vulnerability as an oil importer — with more than 90% of crude coming from the Middle East — has made the current crisis especially concerning for Tokyo policymakers. The government approved the release of 15 days of private-sector oil reserves last week and is now adding the much larger state-level release. Together, these measures form the most comprehensive energy emergency response in Japan’s modern history.
This drawdown surpasses the record set in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis by 1.8 times, putting it in a category of its own. Japan’s overall strategic oil reserve currently totals about 470 million barrels — enough to sustain domestic consumption for 254 days. Ensuring that refiners have uninterrupted access to crude is the government’s top operational priority.
Subsidies have been introduced to cap gasoline prices at roughly ¥170 per litre, down from a record ¥190.8, with the level reviewed on a weekly basis. Unsubstantiated social media claims about household shortages — particularly toilet paper — have prompted both the trade ministry and paper industry to issue firm corrections. Japan’s paper industry confirmed that 97% of toilet paper production is based domestically, using recycled materials with no dependency on Middle Eastern oil.
Diplomatically, Japan has declined to take military action, with Takaichi rejecting Trump’s call to deploy Japanese naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz based on constitutional grounds. Japan remains committed to engaging with international partners to promote de-escalation and peace in the region. The government continues to stand by its twin goals: securing energy for its people and supporting a peaceful global order.