TOKYO, May 03 (News On Japan) –
Japan started a second spherical of releases from its nationwide oil reserves on May third, as the federal government strikes to stabilize power provides following escalating tensions within the Middle East which have successfully shut down the Strait of Hormuz.
The further launch began on May 2nd on the Shibushi National Petroleum Stockpiling Base in Kagoshima Prefecture, the place oil is being loaded onto tankers stationed offshore close to Higashikushira.
This marks the second such launch following an earlier drawdown in March 2026, as authorities reply to worsening situations within the area and the continued disruption of key transport routes.
The newest launch will likely be carried out at 10 places nationwide, together with Shibushi, with a complete of 5.8 million kiloliters set to be equipped—equal to roughly 20 days of Japan’s home oil consumption.
Source: FNN

