Energy Reserves in Asian Nations: Japan 254 Days, Indonesia 23 Days
Jakarta — VIVA – Tensions in the Middle East have sparked concerns about global energy availability. Nevertheless, governments of several Asian countries have stressed that their oil and gas supplies remain secure for at least the next 30 days.
Deepali Bhargava, head of Asia-Pacific regional research at ING, said: ‘For now, Asia appears capable of withstanding the latest oil price rise because inflation in many countries remains relatively low and is controllable,’ as cited from The Nation Thailand, Friday, 6 March 2026.
However, she added that the main question is how high oil prices can rise, and how long they will stay elevated, as this will determine the severity of the economic impact.
As reported by Nikkei Asia, in 2025 around 13.4 million barrels per day of crude oil were shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, representing 30 percent of global seaborne oil trade. More than 80 percent of that total was destined for Asian countries.
China was the largest importer via the strait, at around 3.8 million barrels per day, more than 30 percent of its total oil imports, according to data from commodity intelligence firm Kpler. India followed with about 2 million bpd, Japan 1.7 million bpd, and South Korea around 1.6 million bpd.
Additionally, liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade shows a similar pattern. Of 82.3 million tonnes of LNG passing through the Strait of Hormuz, more than 80 percent is shipped to Asia, with China and India as the largest buyers. Most of this LNG comes from Qatar, the world’s second-largest LNG exporter, which sends all of its LNG through the strait before reaching the international market.
Asian energy reserves: Despite risks on this route, highly dependent countries quickly reassure that fuel shortages will not occur. Here is a list of energy reserves in various Asian countries:
Japan has oil reserves for about 254 days, and utilities hold LNG reserves sufficient for three weeks.
South Korea has oil reserves for several months.
China holds strategic oil reserves of 1.5 billion barrels, sufficient for 200 days of imports. China is likely to increase purchases of Russian oil as an alternative, according to Kpler analysts.