Japan Receives First Russian Oil Since Iran War, Diversifies Supply
Japan Receives First Russian Oil Since Iran War, Diversifies Supply
Japan shifts oil sourcing as Russia supplies its first crude since the Iran war disrupted Hormuz, signaling diversification for energy security.
Japan has taken delivery of its first stockpile of oil from Russia since the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted by the Iran war. A Sakhalin-2 crude tanker reached Imabari in western Japan on May 4, 2026.
Japan depends on West Asia for around 95% of its oil imports, and the move comes as Tokyo seeks to diversify its energy procurement amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Officials from wholesaler Taiyo Oil confirmed the ship's arrival, underscoring a deliberate step to broaden supply sources amid regional disruption.
The development highlights Japan's strategy to diversify away from a narrow set of suppliers, aiming to boost energy security in the face of Middle East disruption.
