Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, Japan’s ENEOS Corporation has purchased 283,000 barrels of crude oil from Azerbaijan.
The tanker carrying Azerbaijani oil has already arrived in Japan, and the cargo is set to be delivered to the Negishi oil refinery near Tokyo.
According to reports, the Japanese government is intensifying efforts to increase alternative supply sources that do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Within this framework, expanding imports from various countries, including the United States and Russia, and diversifying energy sources have been set as priorities.
This shipment is reported to be the first batch of Azerbaijani oil delivered to Japan since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East. Previously, Japanese refineries have mainly relied on crude oil from the Middle East.
Japan’s daily oil consumption is approximately 3 million barrels. The country holds large strategic petroleum reserves covering both public and private sectors. While these reserves can typically cover several months of domestic demand, concerns remain regarding prolonged supply disruptions.
