Japan’s Oil Imports Collapse 67% as Middle East Crisis Escalates

Japan reduced its oil imports from the Middle East by 67.2 percent in April compared to the same month last year, according to foreign trade data released by Japan’s Ministry of Finance on Thursday, May 21.

In April 2026, Japan imported 3.84 million kiloliters of oil from the region, the ministry said. According to the Kyodo News Agency, cited by ANTARA, the figure marks the lowest level recorded since 1979.

Japan sources around 94 percent of its oil from the Middle East, with nearly all shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on several locations in Iran, including the capital, Tehran. The attacks caused significant destruction and resulted in civilian casualties.

On April 7, the United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire. However, further talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan, failed to produce an agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump later extended the ceasefire period to give Iran additional time to present what he described as a “unified proposal.”

The escalating conflict in the region has effectively created an unofficial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for transporting oil and liquefied natural gas from the Persian Gulf to global markets. The disruption has affected both oil exports and production.

Interruptions along the Strait of Hormuz have also contributed to rising fuel and industrial product prices in several countries.

Source : https://en.tempo.co/read/2104740/japan-slashes-middle-east-oil-imports-by-67-2