Japan PM Takaichi: Govt to Release Additional 20 Days’ Worth of Oil from Stockpile in Early May or Later

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:32 JST, April 10, 2026

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced her intention to release about 20 days’ worth of oil from the national stockpile in early May or later during a meeting of relevant Cabinet ministers regarding the situation in the Middle East at the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday morning.

Takaichi also instructed the ministers to expedite efforts to stabilize the supply of petroleum-derived medical-related materials and other items.

According to the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, as of April 6, the national stockpile stood at 143 days’ worth.

The government has been gradually releasing about 30 days’ worth of national reserves since late March. However, given concerns that the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz may become prolonged, the aim of the additional release is to alleviate supply concerns.

At the meeting, Takaichi stated, “We will take every possible step to ensure a stable supply of crude oil.” She then explained that “there are instances of supply imbalances and bottlenecks in the distribution system.”

Regarding petroleum-related products, Takaichi noted that there have been reports of concerns over supply shortages for paint thinners used for purposes such as housing construction and automobile maintenance, and instructed Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa and Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Yasushi Kaneko to resolve these bottlenecks.

As to medical-related products such as medical gloves produced in Asia, Takaichi stated that “it’s necessary to consider mutual cooperation with Asian countries.”

Takaichi also revealed that requests for procurement support have been received from like-minded countries facing oil shortages. Then she stated, “We are proceeding with responses on a case-by-case basis.”

In addition, Takaichi instructed relevant ministers to achieve a stable supply of critical material such as chemical products and food packaging containers, which are derived from naphtha produced from crude oil.