Japan to Halt Strategic Oil Reserve Releases in June

Prime Minister Takaichi said Thursday that Japan will not release oil from its national strategic reserves during June 2026 ^[1].

The decision signals a stabilization of Japan's energy security after the government had to rely on emergency stockpiles to mitigate supply disruptions. By securing alternative routes, the administration aims to reduce its dependence on volatile transit points.

According to Takaichi, the alternative procurement rate has recovered to 100% ^[1]. This recovery was driven by progress in securing crude oil through routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz ^[1]. Because the government has secured the necessary volume of crude oil for June, the additional release of national reserves is no longer required ^[3].

Takaichi said that the outlook for July also shows a recovery in procurement to approximately 100% compared to the average month of the previous year ^[1]. She said that because the government expects to procure more crude oil than is necessary for July, the national reserve release will not be conducted this month following the trend from last month ^[1].

Government officials said that this stabilization allows for a more sustainable energy strategy. The current procurement trajectory suggests that a stable supply of oil can be maintained through March 31, 2028 ^[1].

Earlier reports indicated a potential release of reserves starting on the 26th of a previous period, but the current administration has pivoted to a policy of withholding those reserves as market conditions improve ^[2]. Takaichi said the government will continue to monitor procurement levels to determine if future releases are necessary ^[2].