🔻 Japan’s support for the development of pipelines that bypass the Strait of Hormuz

🔻 Japan’s support for the development of pipelines that bypass the Strait of Hormuz

Japan on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensive plan to reduce the vulnerability of its energy supply, which includes diversifying imported oil sources and supporting the development of Middle East pipelines to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz was the gateway for nearly all of Japan’s imported crude oil before the start of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

The plan was presented at a meeting of the Executive Council of the government’s Green Transformation, and its specific measures—including legal steps—are expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

After the start of the war between the U.S. and Israel against Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Japan’s heavy dependence on Middle East crude oil became clear.

In 2025, imports from the Middle East accounted for 94% of Japan’s crude oil, 93% of which entered via the Strait of Hormuz.

Under this new plan, Japanese companies will share the additional transportation costs for importing oil via alternative routes, and Tokyo also intends to support pipeline projects that would enable the export of oil without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.