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2026-04-05 19:43:39
[Sanae Takaichi: Japan Secures At Least Four Months of Naphtha Supply to Alleviate Market Concerns] ⑴ Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Sunday on the X platform that Japan has secured sufficient naphtha supplies to meet domestic demand for at least four months, and the Japanese government is attempting to alleviate market concerns about potential supply shortages. ⑵ Takaichi stated that the aforementioned supplies include approximately two months of overseas purchases and supplies from domestic refineries, in addition to an extra two months' worth of inventory of naphtha-derived chemical intermediates such as polyethylene. ⑶ Naphtha is a basic raw material for industrial products such as plastics and synthetic fibers, and its supply stability is directly related to the operation of Japan's manufacturing supply chain. Given the current closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Japan's move is intended to send a signal to the market that supply is secure. ⑷ Japan's early disclosure of its reserve size and structure represents a different crisis response path from other Asian economies (such as South Korea seeking assistance from Gulf states and India turning to Russia for purchases), namely, stabilizing market expectations through the public disclosure of inventory information.
