Japan imported 27.16 million barrels of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates in November 2024, accounting for 38.2 percent of its total oil imports during the month, according to data released by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Japan’s overall crude oil imports for November reached approximately 71.18 million barrels, with Arab oil dominating the supply chain.
Imports from Arab nations constituted 95.1 percent of the total, equating to 67.72 million barrels sourced from the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the Neutral Zone, located on the border between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia emerged as Japan’s largest supplier, delivering 31.49 million barrels, which represented 44.3 percent of total imports. Kuwait followed with 5.19 million barrels, accounting for 7.3 percent, while Qatar supplied 3.42 million barrels, making up 4.8 percent.
The Neutral Zone contributed 0.6 percent to Japan’s oil imports during the same period. Combined, the UAE and Saudi Arabia provided 82.5 percent of Japan’s total oil imports, underscoring their critical role in ensuring Japan’s energy security. The data highlights Japan’s continued reliance on Middle Eastern oil producers to meet its energy needs. Beyond the Arab region, Japan sourced smaller volumes of crude oil from Central and South America, which accounted for 1.8 percent of imports. The United States supplied 1.7 percent, Australia contributed 0.9 percent, and East Asia accounted for 0.4 percent.
The figures reflect Japan’s growing dependence on Arab oil as geopolitical factors continue to shape global energy markets. Sanctions imposed on Russian and Iranian oil remained in place, with Japanese companies adhering to U.S. foreign policy directives. The reported statistics represent crude oil deliveries received at Japanese refineries, storage facilities, and port terminals throughout November 2024. The data underscores Japan’s strategic focus on securing stable energy supplies amid shifting global dynamics. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.