Due to a shortage of printing ink raw materials caused by the prolonged turmoil in the Middle East, Japanese snack giant Calbee announced on May 11 that it would switch the packaging of some of its products—including its flagship potato chips—to black-and-white designs. The incident has drawn global media attention. The Japanese government is currently gathering information from relevant departments and agencies and plans to interview the companies involved.
In response to the news that Calbee will switch to black-and-white packaging, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato stated at a press conference on May 12 that the Japanese government will communicate with relevant companies to understand the actual situation regarding the printing ink shortage caused by the prolonged situation in the Middle East, and plans to hold a hearing with Calbee that same day.
Sato stated that Japan is using its crude oil reserves to produce naphtha, and that naphtha imports from regions outside the Middle East this month have reached three times the level seen before the escalation of tensions. He said, "We have not yet received any reports that would immediately trigger supply issues," adding that authorities believe they are currently able to secure the necessary supply for domestic consumption in Japan.
However, Sato also stated, "Relevant government agencies are strengthening their coordination and are working to maintain communication with the companies involved in order to gain a clear understanding of the situation."
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