According to Japanese media reports, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced this morning (April 10) that the second round of oil reserve releases will begin in early May, releasing an amount equivalent to 20 days of Japan's domestic oil demand.
Data from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry shows that as of the end of 2025, Japan's total domestic oil reserves were equivalent to 254 days of consumption. Due to disruptions in passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the Japanese government has released a total of approximately 80 million barrels of oil reserves starting March 16, equivalent to 45 days of Japan's oil consumption. This marks the largest release since Japan established its national oil reserve system in 1978.
However, this release has not eased concerns in related industries about potential oil supply shortages. According to earlier reports from CCTV News, some industry groups have called on the Japanese government to release additional oil reserves, with the medical sector in particular urging the government to secure the supply of naphtha. Naphtha, derived from crude oil processing, is a key raw material for medical supplies such as medical gloves, syringes, and dialysis equipment. Industry insiders have pointed out that if the current situation continues, Japan could face a "naphtha crisis" by June, endangering the health of a large number of patients.
Reports indicate that Japan's crude oil imports in March stood at approximately 52 million barrels, the lowest level since 2013. Most of the crude oil arriving in March had already been loaded and shipped before the US-Israel attack on Iran. Import volumes are expected to drop further significantly from April onward.
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