Saudi Arabia Surges Past Japan's Traditional Oil Suppliers

Saudi Arabia has overtaken Japan's traditional oil suppliers in August 2026, according to data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). The country supplied 26.41 million barrels, or 34% of total imports, making it Japan's primary source of crude oil that month.

This shift is attributed to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, which has benefited American oil companies. The reliance on U.S. crude reached 33.7% of total imports, totaling 26.18 million barrels in August.

In contrast, Arab nations' share of oil imports fell to 60.7%, down from their usual dominance. Saudi Arabia was followed by the United Arab Emirates as the second-largest supplier, providing 19.73 million barrels or 25.4% of total imports.