Original Source
Middle East Crude Oil Arrives in Japan Via Route Bypassing Hormuz Strait
Middle East Crude Oil Arrives at Japanese Refinery
Amid growing concerns over the stable supply of crude oil due to the Iran situation, a tanker carrying Middle Eastern crude oil arrived at a refinery in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, on March 29. According to the company, this marks the first arrival in Japan of crude oil that departed the Middle East after the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran.
Route Bypasses Strait of Hormuz
This tanker reportedly used a route that did not pass through the Strait of Hormuz to reach Japan. This move is seen as an effort to avoid maritime transport risks stemming from the unstable situation in Iran and to secure the stability of crude oil supply. It highlights how changes in international affairs are directly impacting crude oil shipping routes and methods.
*Source: NHK (2026-03-29)*
