Tokyo: Japan has secured oil supplies to cover its demand until early 2027, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters at the prime minister's office, Takaichi detailed that this achievement is due to efforts to increase oil imports from the United States and certain Middle Eastern countries, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, currently under a de facto blockade by Iran.

According to Philippines News Agency, oil imports from the United States are projected to increase about fourfold from a year earlier in May, as stated by the prime minister. Takaichi emphasized the government's ongoing efforts to engage with oil-producing nations to further boost imports that avoid routing through the strait.

Takaichi also mentioned that the government could utilize reserve funds from its recently enacted fiscal 2026 budget to prolong gasoline subsidies if needed. In response to possible energy conservation measures, the prime minister assured that the government would "respond flexibly without ruling out any options."