Japan Seeks New Oil Routes Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

Japan is seeking to strengthen its energy security by supporting alternative oil pipeline projects in the Middle East, according to local media. This move comes as a response to disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war, which has severely impacted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a critical oil transit route that Japan heavily relies on for its oil imports. Before the conflict began in February, Japan was among the largest importers of oil from this region.

To minimize dependence on the strait, Japan plans to support projects by Saudi Arabia and other countries to expand existing pipelines and develop new crude oil routes that bypass the strait. This includes supporting the development of next-generation perovskite solar cells as part of a broader strategy to diversify its energy supplies.

The government is also expected to establish a special crude oil reserve to produce naphtha, an oil by-product used across various industries. Additionally, Japan aims to 'maximize the use' of nuclear power and revive its nuclear sector, partly driven by increased electricity demand due to artificial intelligence.