Japan is set to resume imports of Russian crude oil, marking its first such purchase since regional tensions escalated earlier this year, as a deepening global energy crisis forces import-dependent economies to secure alternative supplies.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, a tanker carrying crude from Russia’s Far East is currently en route to the country. The shipment originates from the Sakhalin-2, a major energy venture led by Gazprom, with participation from Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsui & Co..
The cargo has been acquired by Taiyo Oil Co. and is expected to arrive in Ehime Prefecture. Tracking data indicates the tanker departed Sakhalin in late April.
Notably, the shipment is exempt from sanctions imposed by the United States and European countries following the Russia-Ukraine war, allowing Japan to proceed with the purchase.
The move comes amid severe disruptions in global energy markets. Ongoing geopolitical tensions have led to restrictions in critical shipping routes, particularly after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a corridor responsible for roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
Although a ceasefire is currently in place, maritime activity remains constrained, intensifying pressure on energy-importing nations like Japan to diversify supply chains and ensure stability.
The development highlights Tokyo’s strategic balancing act between energy security needs and evolving geopolitical realities, as global markets continue to face volatility.
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