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Japan to Release 20 Days of Oil Reserves from May 1 Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Japan will release additional oil reserves worth 20 days from May 1 to stabilize energy supply amid Strait of Hormuz tensions. This follows an initial release of 50 days' worth of oil reserves. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure safe navigation and energy supply. Japan relies on West Asia for over 90% of its crude oil imports, most passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Points: Japan Releases Additional 20 Days Oil Reserves from May 1

  • Japan to release additional 20 days' oil reserves from May 1
  • Initial release of 50 days' oil reserves already done
  • Second release involves 5.8 million kilolitres worth 540 billion yen
  • PM Takaichi spoke with Saudi Crown Prince to ensure safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz
2 min read

Japan to release additional 20 days' of oil reserves from May 1

Japan announces release of 20 days' oil reserves from May 1 to stabilize energy supply amid Strait of Hormuz tensions. PM Takaichi speaks with Saudi Crown Prince.

"Japan has supported the talks between the United States and Iran as well as the diplomatic efforts of the mediating countries. - Sanae Takaichi"

Tokyo, April 24

Amid growing uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the Japanese government has announced that it will begin releasing additional oil reserves worth around 20 days from May 1, local media reported on Friday.

Tensions continue in and around Strait of Hormuz, the narrow maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, through which about one-fifth of global oil trade passes, ever since the conflict erupted in West Asia.

The Japanese government's decision comes after the initial release of some 50 days' worth of oil from reserves held by the state and others to stabilise the energy supply in Japan after the conflict erupted in West Asia, Japan's Kyodo News agency reported.

According to Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the second release will free up 5.8 million kilolitres worth 540 billion yen (USD 3.4 billion).

Japan relies on West Asia for over 90 per cent of its crude oil imports, majority of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

On April 23, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and expressed sympathy with Saudi Arabia over human and material damage caused by attacks from Iran. She conveyed Japan's stance that ceasefire should be maintained and called for de-escalation of the situation, ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, is steadily achieved as soon as possible.

Takaichi called it important that the US and Iran reach a final agreement through talks, according to the statement released by Japanese Prime Minister's Office. Takaichi stated that Japan has supported the talks between the United States and Iran as well as the diplomatic efforts of the mediating countries.

Takaichi expressed her appreciation for Saudi Arabia's continued supply of crude oil to Japan via Yanbu Port even after the outbreak of the situation and requested cooperation toward the expansion of energy supply to Japan.

"In response, H.R.H. Prince Mohammed expressed Saudi Arabia's intention to respond positively in order to ensure energy supply to markets including Japan. He also stated that Saudi Arabia would continue to cooperate with Japan to stabilize the situation, including ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," Japan Prime Minister's Office stated in a release.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Good move by Japan, but isn't releasing strategic reserves just a band-aid? Geopolitical solutions are needed. PM Takaichi calling Saudi Crown Prince is a step, but what about diversifying energy sources? Solar, nuclear—Japan had Fukushima trauma, but they need options.
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Vikram M
As an Indian, I see this as a reminder of our own vulnerability. We import 85% of our crude, and if Hormuz gets disrupted, petrol prices here will skyrocket. Japan's 20-day release is a short-term fix; India needs to fast-track renewable energy and strategic storage. We've been talking about filling our caverns for years! 😤
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Sarah B
Interesting that Japan is coordinating with Saudi Arabia while also urging US-Iran talks. Diplomacy is tricky—balancing energy security with geopolitical stability. Hope this de-escalates soon; global markets can't handle another oil shock.
K
Kavya N
Japan's proactive approach is commendable—they're releasing reserves and talking to all stakeholders. But isn't it ironic that the same countries supplying oil are also involved in conflicts? We need a honest conversation about our addiction to fossil fuels. India has the sun and wind—why are we still begging for Gulf oil? 🌞💨
D
David E
5.8 million kilolitres released—that's a huge amount! But I'm curious: how much does Japan actually hold in strategic reserves? And will this second release be enough if the crisis drags on? The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint for the world economy; India, China, and others must cooperate on alternative routes.

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