Japan cuts Middle East oil imports by 67.2%

Tokyo (ANTARA) – Japan has reduced its oil imports from the Middle East by 67.2 percent compared with April last year, according to external trade statistics released by Japan’s Ministry of Finance on Thursday (21 May). The April 2026 volume of Japan’s Middle East oil imports stood at 3.84 million kilolitres, the ministry said. Kyodo News reported that the figure was the lowest since 1979. Japan relies on 94 percent of its oil imports from the Middle East, with almost all shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched strikes against several targets in Iran, including Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. The US and Iran subsequently announced a two-week ceasefire on 7 April. However, negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, did not yield an agreement. President Donald Trump then extended the cessation of hostilities to give Iran time to present a “comprehensive proposal.” Escalation of the conflict in the region led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main route for supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas from the Persian Gulf to global markets, affecting exports and production. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz also triggered higher prices for fuels and industrial products in various countries.