Japan starts releasing oil from its national emergency stockpiles

Japan has begun releasing oil from its national strategic reserves. The government gave the order to prepare for the release, and oil has started flowing out in what is reported to be the country's largest-ever such release.

The move is a unilateral action by the Japanese government. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated the release is in response to tensions and war in the Middle East, which are disrupting global oil flows and contributing to an energy crisis.