Japan uses oil reserves after risk in the Strait of Hormuz.

• Japan releases strategic crude oil to curb rising gasoline prices.
• Conflict in the Middle East puts pressure on global oil prices.
• The Strait of Hormuz affects imports and energy security.

Japan announced it will begin releasing crude oil from its strategic reserves starting next Monday in an attempt to curb rising gasoline and oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East. The move was confirmed Wednesday by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who stressed the need to protect consumers and businesses in the face of pressures in the global energy market.

According to the Japanese government, the initiative aims to reduce the impact that potential disruptions in the supply of oil from the Persian Gulf could have on the country's economy. Increased tensions in the region and recent military actions involving Iran have raised the risk of disruptions to maritime oil transport.

The strategy initially involves releasing oil equivalent to 15 days' worth of reserves held by private companies. Following this, an additional volume corresponding to one month's supply will be made available from stocks directly controlled by the Japanese government.

"We will review the support measures flexibly to ensure continued relief for the public, even if the situation lasts longer," Takaichi told reporters in Tokyo.

The decision is noteworthy because it marks the first time Japan has used its strategic reserves independently, without waiting for coordinated action from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The country has maintained emergency stockpiles since 1978 precisely to cope with times of crisis in the global energy supply.

Japan's energy dependence on the Persian Gulf remains high. Over 90% of Japanese crude oil imports originate from countries in the region, making the country particularly vulnerable to any disruption in the flow of ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Takaichi, projections indicate that oil shipments could suffer a significant drop by the end of March. If this scenario materializes, the domestic market could face shortages of gasoline and other refined products.

Prices at the pumps are already showing signs of pressure. Recent data from the Ministry of Industry indicates that the average price of gasoline in the country approached 162 yen per liter last Monday, up from around 155 yen recorded in mid-January.

Japanese authorities are working with estimates that the price could exceed 200 yen per liter if supply remains restricted. To avoid this scenario, the government intends to use public funds to limit the price to around 170 yen per liter.