The Japanese government has responded to the Middle East energy crisis with the biggest-ever release from national oil reserves — 80 million barrels to domestic refiners from Thursday — even as social media posts show some consumers stockpiling not just toilet paper but also cat food and beer in anticipation of shortages. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the historic deployment, driven by US-Israel conflict with Iran disrupting the Strait of Hormuz. The breadth of consumer anxiety, extending far beyond fuel to everyday household items, reflects the depth of public concern about the crisis.
Social media users shared images of shopping carts loaded with beer, cat food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies, with some posts claiming that local stores had already run out of toilet paper. Industry and government officials were quick to counter these claims, noting that most of these products are domestically manufactured and not dependent on Middle Eastern supply chains. The Japan Household Paper Industry Association confirmed that 97% of Japan’s toilet paper is made domestically from recycled materials, with no exposure to Hormuz disruptions.
Japan’s genuine energy vulnerability lies in its crude oil imports, over 90% of which come from Middle Eastern producers via the Strait of Hormuz. The 80 million barrel release — equivalent to 45 days of national demand, 1.8 times the previous record — is designed to bridge any supply gap while diplomatic efforts to restore normal tanker traffic proceed. Japan’s total reserves of approximately 470 million barrels provide a substantial underlying buffer.
Government subsidies are keeping gasoline prices near ¥170 per litre, down from a record ¥190.8, with weekly reviews ensuring the program remains appropriately calibrated. Officials are focused on preventing the fuel price spike from cascading into broader consumer price inflation. The trade ministry has emphasized that Japan’s essential goods supply chains remain secure despite the energy crisis.
Prime Minister Takaichi has managed Japan’s international role with composure, declining military involvement in the Hormuz area while maintaining active diplomatic engagement. Her constitutional-based refusal of Trump’s naval deployment request has been widely understood domestically. Japan’s response to the crisis — deploying reserves, stabilizing prices, managing public anxiety, and pursuing diplomacy — is multifaceted and comprehensive.
