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Japan Receives First Russian Oil Shipment Since Iran War
Japan received its first shipment of oil from Russia since the Iran war led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The crude, produced under the Sakhalin-2 project, arrived at Imabari and began offloading, signaling a shift toward diversifying energy sources amid a global supply squeeze.
Why It Matters
The delivery marks a notable shift in Japan's energy sourcing amid geopolitical tensions and sanctions, potentially affecting regional energy security and flows.
Timeline
3 Events
First Russian oil shipment from Sakhalin-2 reaches Imabari
May 5, 2026
A tanker carrying crude produced as part of Sakhalin-2 reached the coast of Imabari in western Japan and began offloading to a refinery. The Sakhalin-2 project is not subject to global sanctions against Moscow. Taiyo Oil was asked by the economy ministry to take in the shipment. At the refinery, the crude will be refined into gasoline, naphtha and other petroleum products.
Japan PM comments on energy security in Canberra after talks with Australian PM
May 4, 2026
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in Canberra after talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that a global oil supply squeeze is having an enormous impact on the Asia-Pacific region and that Japan and Australia would respond urgently to secure stable energy supplies.
Iran war begins; Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts global oil supplies
February 28, 2026
The outbreak of war involving Iran began on February 28, leading to Tehran effectively shutting the Strait of Hormuz and choking global oil supplies, which has prompted Japan to seek energy diversification.