Japan has sufficient oil supplies that can last beyond the end of this year, including eight-months' worth of oil reserves, Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi said on 7 April.
Japan's crude oil imports averaged 2.36mn b/d in 2025, with 2.22mn b/d coming from the Middle East, 90,000 b/d from the US and 50,000 b/d from other regions, the government said.
In April, Japan aims to bring in 20pc worth of average 2025 import levels, and the rest will be covered by the oil reserves release. Subsequently in May, more than half of 2025's average import levels are expected to arrive in Japan, and the country will continue to release oil reserves but likely reduce the amount released.
Japan will continue to import Middle Eastern crude, which will still account for the majority of its procurement, although specific volumes were not specified. Japan has been working to secure supplies via alternative routes outside of the strait of Hormuz, such as Saudi Arabia's Yanbu and the UAE's Fujairah.
US crude will also account for a significant share of Japan's imports, especially in May. US imports are expected to quadruple in May compared with 2025 levels, Takaichi said.
Japan has begun releasing oil from its reserves which are currently equivalent to about 231 days of requirements. This includes the equivalent of 145 days of national reserves, 80 days of privately held reserves and 6 days of joint stockpiles with oil-producing countries.
"Progress in alternative procurement has made it possible to secure oil supplies beyond the end of the year while mitigating releases from reserves," Takaichi said. The overall volume required for Japan has been secured, and Tokyo will strengthen engagement with oil producing countries to make further progress in alternative procurement, she reiterated.
