The Japanese government is considering releasing additional national oil reserves in May.

Japanese media reported on May 5 that, affected by the situation in the Middle East, Japan’s crude oil import volume has dropped sharply, triggering widespread concern. The Japanese government is considering an additional release of national oil reserves in May, with the release amount equivalent to about 20 days of Japan’s use. According to data from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as of the end of 2025, the total amount of oil reserves within Japan is equivalent to its 254 days of use. Due to disruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Japanese government has, since March 16, released a total of about 80 million barrels of oil reserves, equivalent to the oil supply Japan needs for 45 days— the largest release since Japan established its national oil reserve system in 1978. However, this release has not eased industry worries about a shortage of oil supply. Oil industry groups have urged the Japanese government to inject additional reserves, while the medical industry has called for ensuring supplies of cyclohexane reforming naphtha (straight-run naphtha). Cyclohexane reforming naphtha is produced from crude oil refining and is a key raw material for medical supplies such as dialysis-related items, medical gloves, and syringes. Industry insiders say that if the current situation continues, Japan will face a “cyclohexane reforming naphtha crisis” in June, endangering the health of a large number of patients. Japanese media, citing sources, reported that the Japanese government is seeking to transport crude oil via alternative routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, and to procure crude oil from regions outside the Middle East, with the expectation that Japan’s crude oil import volume in May could reach about 60% of the same period last year. The shortfall will be supplemented by releasing national oil reserves. The related plan is still under discussion. (Xinhua)