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2026-04-04 11:09:26
[Middle East Situation Leads to Fuel Shortage, Forcing Many Hot Springs in Japan to Close] Japanese media reported on the 3rd that due to the situation in the Middle East, Japan's crude oil imports have plummeted, leading to a shortage of heavy oil, the fuel source for crude oil processing. Many hot springs and bathing facilities in Japan have been forced to close due to a lack of heavy oil for fuel, while others are reducing costs by shortening their operating hours. Ikeda Onsen in Gifu Prefecture, a well-known hot spring with approximately 10,000 visitors per month, is famous for its smooth, natural hot spring water. However, it announced its closure on the 3rd. Staff explained that the hot spring itself has a temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius and needs to be heated to over 40 degrees Celsius using a boiler, requiring approximately 1,400 liters of heavy oil daily. Due to the unreliable supply of heavy oil, Ikeda Onsen decided to close. (Xinhua News Agency)
