Japan Turns to Sakhalin Oil as Hormuz Crisis Deepens

A Japanese wholesaler has purchased Russian crude from the Sakhalin‑2 project, marking the country’s first import since the Middle East war disrupted global energy flows. The tanker left Sakhalin in late April and is expected to dock in western Japan’s Ehime Prefecture. Officials said the shipment is not subject to U.S. or EU sanctions linked to the Ukraine conflict. The decision reflects Japan’s urgent need to diversify energy sources as Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. port blockades restrict maritime traffic. With Asian economies heavily dependent on imports, Tokyo is seeking new strategies to stabilize fuel supplies.

Source: Newstimehub