The situation, in brief
As tensions around Iran disrupt global oil flows and threaten key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, Asian countries are taking stock of how long their fuel reserves can last. The numbers vary sharply across the region, highlighting uneven levels of preparedness in the face of a potential…
As tensions around Iran disrupt global oil flows and threaten key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, Asian countries are taking stock of how long their fuel reserves can last. The numbers vary sharply across the region, highlighting uneven levels of preparedness in the face of a potential prolonged supply disruption.
Indonesia has one of the shortest buffers, with fuel reserves covering about 23 days of consumption. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said this level reflects storage limitations, with the country’s infrastructure able to hold only up to around 25 days.
Vietnam has secured crude supply equivalent to about 30 to 45 days of demand. Authorities said this depends on refinery output and domestic consumption, as the government moves to stabilize prices and maintain supply.
The Philippines has around 50 to 60 days of oil supply, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This includes diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, and LPG, each with different levels of coverage.
Thailand’s oil reserves can last up to 95 days. Officials said this includes both existing stockpiles and additional confirmed supplies, with contingency measures in place to manage potential disruptions.
China has built up a larger buffer through sustained stockpiling. Its strategic reserves are estimated at about 1.2 billion barrels, equivalent to roughly 115 days of seaborne crude imports.
Japan holds the largest reserves among the countries listed, at about 254 days of domestic consumption. These include government and private sector stockpiles built over decades to address supply risks.
The differences reflect how countries manage energy security. Indonesia has pointed to storage constraints as a key limitation, while Vietnam has moved to secure additional crude supply and stabilize domestic prices. The Philippines has prepared subsidies for transport and agriculture as prices rise.
Thailand has outlined contingency measures, including suspending most oil exports, increasing reserve requirements, and adjusting fuel blends if needed. China, for its part, has continued building up its stockpile and may release reserves or limit fuel exports to maintain domestic supply.
Japan has begun releasing oil from its reserves to stabilize supply, ahead of a coordinated move with the International Energy Agency. The government said it will continue taking steps to ensure stable energy supply as imports from the Middle East are expected to decline.
