Signboards display fuel prices outside gas stations, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Tokyo on March 13, 2026. Issei Kato/Reuters
Japan has begun releasing emergency oil reserves after the Iran War disrupted energy flows through the Middle East and triggered a surge in global crude prices.
It will start releasing 15 days’ worth of private-sector oil on March 16 and a month’s worth from the state reserves from late this month, according to the country’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
