June 4, 2026, 09:35 GMT
Japan is experiencing acute shortages of plastic bags, food trays, and medical gloves as the Iran war disrupts global naphtha supplies. Naphtha, a key petrochemical feedstock, has become scarce due to Gulf shipping blockades and refinery shutdowns, leaving Japanese manufacturers unable to meet domestic demand.
Local Impact
- Retail Strain: Supermarkets and convenience stores are rationing plastic bags, urging customers to bring reusable alternatives.
- Healthcare Concerns: Hospitals warn of dwindling stocks of disposable gloves and protective gear, raising fears of compromised hygiene standards.
- Industrial Slowdown: Packaging and food industries face production bottlenecks, with some companies halting operations temporarily.
Global Context
- Iran War Fallout: The conflict has choked tanker routes through the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off vital naphtha shipments to Asia.
- Energy Market Shock: Japan, heavily reliant on imports, is among the hardest hit, while South Korea and Taiwan also report tightening supplies.
- Policy Response: Tokyo is exploring emergency stockpile releases and alternative sourcing, but analysts warn substitutes are limited.
(Source – The Guardian)
—Agencies
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