Prime Minister Takashi said Tuesday that Japan can increase the supply of thinner to 1.8 times the usual annual demand [1].
This move aims to stabilize the paint-and-thinner supply chain after construction firms reported significant shortages. Because these chemicals are essential for industrial coatings and building maintenance, a prolonged deficit threatens the timeline of national infrastructure projects.
The announcement took place during a conference concerning Middle East affairs in Japan. Takashi said the government will enable a supply volume that is 1.8 times the typical yearly requirement [1].
To achieve this, the government will facilitate a new direct supply route. Toluene and xylene, the raw materials for paints and thinners, will be supplied directly to paint and thinner manufacturers [2]. This supply will come not only from petrochemical companies, but also from oil wholesalers in quantities that significantly exceed previous levels [2].
These measures are expected to extend the continuity of the supply chain by approximately three months [1]. The shift in logistics is designed to bypass traditional bottlenecks that have contributed to the current scarcity.
"We will make it possible to supply 1.8 times the usual annual demand," Takashi said [1]. He said that by utilizing oil wholesalers and petrochemical makers to provide raw materials directly to manufacturers, the government can ensure the necessary volume reaches the industry [2].
“Japan can increase the supply of thinner to 1.8 times the usual annual demand.”
The decision to bypass traditional distribution channels by involving oil wholesalers directly suggests a systemic failure in the standard supply chain. By anchoring this announcement to a conference on Middle East affairs, the government acknowledges that geopolitical instability in oil-producing regions is likely driving the volatility of toluene and xylene prices and availability.
