Govt Asks 3 Major Japanese Oil Wholesalers to Bypass Distributors and Sell Directly to Critically Important Facilities​

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:27 JST, April 10, 2026

Three major Japanese oil wholesalers were requested by the government on Thursday to sell petroleum products directly to hospitals, public transportation system and other critically important facilities instead of going through distributors.

The government has said that the overall oil supply is sufficient.

However, it has been pointed out that the distribution of petroleum products, such as heavy oil and diesel, has been disrupted in some areas, preventing fuel from quickly reaching its destinations.

In response to the situation in the Middle East, the government held on Thursday the second meeting of a working group to secure essential supplies such as petroleum products.

At the meeting, the government said it made the request to Eneos Corp., Idemitsu Kosan Co. and Cosmo Oil Co.

The government asked the companies to supply the amount it did the same month the previous year, in principle, to critically important facilities if they have an ongoing business relationship with them. These facilities include medical supply manufacturers, agriculture and livestock farming.

“In order to ensure a stable supply, I want you to assess the actual state of supply chains, including overseas, for essential goods and promptly implement all necessary measures,” Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa told officials of relevant ministries and agencies at the meeting on Thursday.