Japan has received its first shipment of Russian crude oil since global energy markets were disrupted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, according to local media reports.
A tanker carrying crude from Russia’s Sakhalin-2 project reportedly arrived off the coast of Imabari in western Japan on Monday, May 4. The reports, published by TV Tokyo and Asahi Shimbun, cited officials from oil wholesaler Taiyo Oil.
Japan, which relies on the Middle East for roughly 95% of its oil imports, has been under increasing pressure to diversify its energy sources following major disruptions in global supply chains.
The crisis began after the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the onset of the Iran-related conflict on February 28, a move that significantly reduced global oil flow and triggered price spikes.
Despite sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukraine war, the Sakhalin-2 project remains exempt, allowing Japan to continue limited energy purchases from the region as part of efforts to stabilise domestic supply.
Reports indicate that Taiyo Oil acted on a request from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to accept the shipment as part of emergency energy security measures. The crude will reportedly be refined into key petroleum products, including gasoline and naphtha, used in plastics, chemicals, and industrial manufacturing.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the situation as a growing regional challenge, warning that the global oil squeeze is significantly affecting the Asia-Pacific economy.
“A global oil supply squeeze is inflicting an enormous impact on the Asia-Pacific region,” she said following discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.
She added that Japan and its partners are working to secure stable energy supplies through diversification beyond the Middle East, while ensuring sufficient petroleum reserves through the end of the year.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil typically passes, remains a critical flashpoint in the ongoing energy crisis.