Photo/IllutrationPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi departs after responding to reporters’ questions about the April 7 passage of the fiscal 2026 budget. (Takeshi Iwashita)

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters April 7 that enough petroleum had been secured to last the rest of the year, as concerns linger about the Strait of Hormuz being effectively closed off to global oil shipments.

She added that alternative sources to the Middle East would be increased in the coming months, such as obtaining petroleum from the United States.

Such purchases along with the current reserves held by Japan would be sufficient to supply everyone with enough fuel to last until next year, she said.

Japan is actively releasing strategic oil reserves in response to potential supply shortages and price increases caused by the ongoing military conflict involving Iran. The move aims to ensure stable energy supplies

Takaichi added that nations that produce the resource would be approached to further increase the volume procured from areas other than the Middle East.

When asked about the need to compile a supplementary budget, Takaichi said she was not considering such a move, mainly because it was difficult to forecast the effects of the Middle East situation.

She said the reserve fund included in the fiscal 2026 budget that passed the Diet on April 7 could be used if the need arises.

Takaichi was also asked if she would call on the public to cooperate with energy conservation measures.

“I will respond as the situation demands while taking into consideration all possibilities for the long term,” she said.