First Russian Oil Shipment Reaches Japan Amid Global Supply Disruptions

Tokyo: Amid disruptions in global oil supply following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the West Asian conflict, the first oil tanker from Russia has arrived in Japan. The tanker, carrying crude oil produced under the Sakhalin-2 project, reached the coast of Imabari in western Japan on Monday.

According to reports citing Japanese media, the shipment was confirmed by Taiyo Oil, a major wholesale petroleum company.

Japan relies on West Asian countries for nearly 95% of its oil imports. However, following the US-Israel attack on Iran, they imposed a blockade in Strait of Hormuz, triggering a severe energy crisis for Japan. In response, Japan has moved to source oil from alternative suppliers, including Russia. Notably, the Sakhalin project has been exempted from global sanctions imposed on Russia following the Ukraine invasion, offering some relief to Japan.

The crude oil imported from Russia will be refined into products such as petrol and naphtha. Japan is particularly focused on securing naphtha, which is essential for manufacturing plastics, paints, and chemical fibers.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that increased imports from outside the West Asia would help prevent shortages of chemical products in Japan through the end of the year.

The Prime Minister also noted that the oil supply crisis is having a major impact on the Asia-Pacific region. Speaking to media after talks in Canberra with australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, she said both countries would urgently cooperate to stabilize energy supplies. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz—through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes—has led to a sharp rise in global fuel prices.