TOKYO – A month into the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Japanese businesses and households are feeling the pinch as crude oil prices soar, raising concerns over rising costs for food, fuel, and daily necessities.
Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route, has pushed oil prices higher, affecting farms, public bathhouses known as “sento,” and public transport providers. Crude oil, often called the “lifeblood of industry,” is vital to many sectors, providing gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, and naphtha used in plastics.
A senior representative of a public bathhouse group in Osaka expressed shock at the rapid fuel price surge. “The numbers are staggering. I’ve never seen anything like this,” the official said, noting that fuel oil costs in early April could jump 40% compared to late March. A sento operator added, “Operations are fine as long as we have fuel. If supply stops, we won’t be able to open.”
Industries that rely on oil-based materials, such as dry cleaning, are also hit. A chemical company official said solvent shortages may cause prices to rise roughly 15%. Food packaging industries are bracing for higher costs and potential plastic shortages.
Greenhouse tomato farmer Masahiro Ikeda in Kumamoto is coping by cutting heater usage, while fertilizer prices are set to increase from 3,000 yen to 3,800 yen per bag. “I might stock up on three months’ worth before the end of the month,” Ikeda said, describing the situation as “really tough.”
Transport companies, once able to buy diesel in bulk, now face procurement difficulties. Kyoto city officials warned that fuel shortages could disrupt public bus services and citizens’ daily routines.
The government has introduced subsidies for petroleum products and released oil reserves to ease supply pressures. While the International Energy Agency suggests energy-saving measures, Japanese officials said current stockpiles make such steps unnecessary for now.
Sourced online/ia/xf
