Japan is considering whether to purchase Russian crude oil after the United States issued a temporary sanctions waiver allowing certain transactions, as global energy markets face disruption linked to the conflict involving Iran. Officials say any decision will be guided by international developments and Japan’s national interests.
The waiver, announced by US Treasury officials, allows countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products that are currently stranded at sea for a limited 30-day period. The measure is intended to ease supply pressures and stabilise global markets affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Narumi Hosokawa, deputy director-general for immediate crisis management at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, said authorities are carefully assessing the situation. “We will consider the matter in light of various international circumstances and Japan’s national interests,” Hosokawa said on Friday.
Another ministry official noted that Russian crude has historically played a role in ensuring stable energy supplies. However, Tokyo must also maintain coordination with international partners, including discussions within the Group of Seven, while determining its energy strategy.
Japan remains heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil imports. Government data shows that 94 per cent of the country’s crude oil imports in 2025 came from the region, with about 93 per cent transported through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that has been severely disrupted due to the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran. The chokepoint, which handles a large share of global oil trade, has seen shipments slow dramatically amid rising tensions.
To mitigate potential shortages and stabilise domestic supplies, Japan announced plans earlier this week to release approximately 80 million barrels of crude oil from its strategic petroleum reserves. The volume is equivalent to about 45 days of national supply and is intended to cushion the impact of supply disruptions on the global market.
Authorities have also instructed domestic refiners to utilise crude from these strategic reserves to ensure sufficient petroleum availability within the country. Officials clarified that while the reserves will support domestic production, companies will still be allowed to export surplus refined products generated during the process.
Japan’s Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa said refiners are also actively seeking alternative sources of crude oil to diversify supply. Possible replacement shipments are being explored from the United States as well as producers in Central Asia and South America.
Energy analysts note that Japan’s decision will reflect a delicate balance between maintaining stable fuel supplies and aligning with international sanctions policies. The temporary US waiver offers a short window for governments and companies to manage stranded cargoes and ease immediate market pressures.
With tensions in the Middle East continuing to affect energy routes, Japan’s approach highlights the broader challenge facing major importers as they attempt to secure reliable supplies while navigating shifting geopolitical conditions.
