Takaichi Orders Measures to Ensure Petroleum Product Supplies

Tokyo, March 24 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday instructed ministries and agencies to draw up measures to ensure stable supplies of petroleum products, such as naphtha, amid the escalating conflict between the U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran. At the day’s meeting of relevant cabinet ministers on the Middle Eastern affairs, Takaichi told them to work toward achieving an early stabilization of the situation in the region and securing energy supplies for Japan. “To protect Japanese people’s lives and livelihoods, I would like you to compile response policies based on (the levels of) the country’s stockpiles” of petroleum products, the prime minister said. Concerns over potential shortages of such products are growing due to Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transport waterway. Also at the meeting, held at the prime minister’s office, Takaichi said that the government plans to begin releasing 30 days’ worth of state oil reserves on Thursday. She added that the release of joint oil stockpiles held with oil-producing countries is expected to take place by the end of this month. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]