The impact of the Iran war spreads: Japanese farms and buses "run out of oil"

Golden Ten Data, March 19 — Cities and rural areas across Japan are beginning to experience fuel shortages, affecting everything from public transportation to agricultural production. As the chaos caused by the Iran war gradually permeates daily life, the situation is becoming increasingly severe. This import-dependent country relies almost entirely on Middle Eastern oil, and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has dealt an especially serious blow. Major refinery Idemitsu Kosan began reducing supply to customers this week, and the country’s gasoline prices have soared 18% in the past week, reaching the highest recorded level in 36 years. Some farmers reported difficulty obtaining diesel for tractors and other equipment ahead of the sowing season, which usually begins in April. Dealers have therefore restricted sales and started searching for alternative sources of supply. Several suppliers said they had no inventory available for distribution.