Japan to Support Alternative Middle East Oil Pipelines Amid Energy Security Concerns

Japan plans to support the development and expansion of alternative oil pipelines in the Middle East as it seeks to strengthen energy security following the war in Iran, local media reported Wednesday.

Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy, has long relied heavily on crude oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway has faced severe disruption since the conflict began in February, raising concerns over the security of Japan’s energy supplies.

According to the Nikkei newspaper, Japan will support efforts by Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries to expand existing crude oil pipelines and develop new routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan has already released oil from its reserves to address supply concerns and increased crude imports from countries including the United States.

The government is also expected to approve additional measures to strengthen energy security. Broadcaster NHK reported that officials are considering creating a special crude oil reserve to support the production of naphtha, an oil by-product widely used in industrial processes.

The government is also expected to call for greater use of nuclear power and provide support for next-generation perovskite solar cells.

Japan has been gradually reviving its nuclear power sector, particularly as electricity demand is expected to rise because of the expansion of artificial intelligence and data centers. The country has remained cautious about nuclear energy since the Fukushima nuclear disaster 15 years ago.

The planned measures reflect Japan’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and reduce its vulnerability to disruptions along critical Middle Eastern oil supply routes.