Japan Secures Second Oil Tanker Passage Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Regional Conflict

A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker managed by Japanese refining giant Eneos has successfully traversed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the second such transit for a Japan-linked vessel since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran disrupted supplies. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that she directly contacted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to secure safe passage for the ship, which carries four Japanese crew members. The tanker is transporting 1.2 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude and 700,000 barrels of Emirati Das Blend oil, with an expected arrival in Japan in late May or early June. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that no toll was paid to Iran for this transit. Despite this success, 39 Japan-related vessels remain stranded in the Gulf. Tokyo continues diplomatic efforts while utilizing strategic stockpiles and alternative supplies from the U.S. and Caspian region to stabilize domestic fuel prices. Refinery operations are gradually normalizing, surpassing 70% capacity. This event follows a similar transit by an Idemitsu Kosan-managed vessel in April, signaling cautious progress in reopening critical energy routes amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.