Japan Moves to Release Oil Stockpiles as Energy Crisis Deepens

Japan is preparing to start releasing crude oil from stockpiles held jointly by the country and oil producers as well as national stocks, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in an X post. The announcement follows the start of oil releases from private stockpiles earlier in March, with the second release beginning later this month at an unspecified date, and the tapping of national stockpiles starting March 26. “Through these measures, we will respond with all our might to minimize the impact on economic activities,” Takaichi said, noting…