Uchikura & Co., LLC

Prime Minister Takaichi’s X (Twitter) Post – Translation

 

I would like to explain the current status of the Takaichi administration’s efforts to ensure a stable supply of critical materials that may be affected by the situation in the Middle East.

 

First, regarding crude oil and petroleum products, on the 11th of last month, Japan—ahead of other countries—decided to release approximately 45 days’ worth of oil reserves from both public and private sectors. We also took a leading role in coordinating the largest-ever International Energy Agency (IEA) collective stock release.

 

In terms of alternative procurement, we are advancing sourcing through routes that do not rely on the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is actively working with private companies to secure supply from regions with surplus capacity, including the Middle East, the United States, Central Asia and Latin America (where Japan has prior procurement experience and expansion capacity), as well as suppliers of refined petroleum products such as Canada and Singapore.

 

On the 28th of last month, for the first time since the situation began, a tanker that did not pass through the Strait of Hormuz arrived in Japan. Additional tankers departing from the Middle East are expected to arrive soon.

 

Japan currently holds approximately eight months’ worth of oil reserves. Combined with ongoing alternative procurement efforts, the total amount required for the country as a whole is secured.

 

However, some localized supply imbalances and distribution bottlenecks have occurred, and we have strengthened countermeasures.

 

For example, in cases where critical facilities such as medical institutions or public transportation providers cannot procure fuel through their usual distributors, the government has requested primary oil companies to supply them directly, based on priority needs.

 

In addition, to address urgent concerns from businesses unable to secure sufficient fuel from their regular suppliers, we have requested major oil companies to provide supply at levels equivalent to the same month of the previous year, regardless of whether the buyer is part of their affiliated network.

 

Through these measures, we have secured April supplies of heavy oil for rainwater drainage pumps at a sewage treatment facility in Tochigi Prefecture. We also enabled direct supply to a tofu manufacturer struggling to obtain heavy oil, preventing a factory shutdown.

 

Furthermore, we have responded case by case to requests from businesses such as laundry services supplying hospital linens and manufacturers of medical X-ray film, ensuring delivery of necessary fuel.

 

We are also working to secure the stable supply of critical materials beyond energy.

 

For items such as naphtha-derived chemical products, medical supplies, food packaging containers, garbage bags, and semiconductor-related materials, we are assessing how long manufacturers can maintain supply. Based on this, we are implementing measures such as utilizing inventory on the demand and distribution side, as well as expanding or maintaining production domestically and internationally.

 

At present, there are no cases of immediate supply disruption.

 

In particular, for the medical sector, we established at the end of last month a task force led by the Ministers of Health and Economy to address the supply of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and related materials affected by the Middle East situation.

 

For example, we have resolved distribution bottlenecks affecting A-grade heavy oil required for sterilizing pediatric catheters used in neonatal care, as well as ethylene oxide gas required for sterilizing other medical devices.

 

To reiterate, the total amount of crude oil and petroleum products required for Japan as a whole has been secured. Likewise, for critical materials—including medical-related supplies processed from crude oil in Asian countries—there are no immediate risks of supply disruption.

 

https://x.com/takaichi_sanae/status/2040332877225992399