# Japan shifts oil imports amid Hormuz disruption

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-shifts-oil-imports-amid-hormuz-disruption
> Updated: 2026-07-31T05:17:04.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 Japan received its first shipment of Canadian crude from the Trans‑Mountain pipeline, a move prompted by the war‑driven closure of the Strait of Hormuz that had previously supplied over 90 % of Japan’s oil. The cargo, bought by refiner Eneos, marked a rapid diversification of supply, with Canadian oil accounting for a growing share of Vancouver’s exports and other Asian buyers such as India, Malaysia and Singapore also turning to the pipeline.

The following day Japan’s energy agency reported that total crude imports for June rose 5.9 % year‑on‑year to 10.03 million kiloliters, the first increase in four months. Imports from the Middle East fell sharply to 62.3 % of the total, while shipments from the United States and Canada increased, reflecting the broader shift away from Hormuz‑dependent sources. U.S. crude output had slipped in May, yet U.S. exports hit record levels, underscoring the changing dynamics of Japan’s oil supply chain.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Japan's June oil imports rise as US May crude output falls

Japan saw a 5.9% rise in June crude imports with Middle East share falling to 62.3%, while U.S. crude output dropped 2% in May and exports hit a record 5.73 million bpd.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japans-june-oil-imports-rise-as-us-may-crude-output-falls

### 2026-07-30: Japan Secures Canadian Crude as Hormuz Supply Disruption Fuels Asian Shift

Japan’s top refiner Eneos bought the first 2025 Canadian TMX crude shipment for Japan as Hormuz disruptions force Asian diversification; the Freedom Glory left Vancouver with up to 750,000 barrels, and Japan sl

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-secures-canadian-crude-as-hormuz-supply-disruption-fuels-asian-shift

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Cite as: Japan shifts oil imports amid Hormuz disruption. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-shifts-oil-imports-amid-hormuz-disruption