Japanese PM Takaichi Asks IEA to Prepare Further Oil Releases

Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern imports but maintains one of the world’s largest emergency reserves.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), speaks during a press conference at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo on Feb. 9, 2026. Franck Robichon/Getty Images

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has asked the International Energy Agency (IEA) to prepare for additional coordinated releases of emergency oil reserves if the Middle East conflict drags on.

Takaichi met IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol in Tokyo on March 25.