The CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC), Sultan Al Jaber, met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo amid rising Middle East tensions that are disrupting energy flows to Asia. Al Jaber emphasized that while ADNOC prioritizes Japan's energy security, its ability to supply could be severely limited by any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint.

Impact on Japanese Energy Security and Economy

Japan's heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy makes it particularly vulnerable to a closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has already prompted at least one Japanese refiner to cancel exports of refined products like diesel and gasoline for March. There is a growing concern that sustained disruptions could lead to higher domestic fuel and power prices, potentially undermining Prime Minister Takaichi's efforts to control inflation.

ADNOC Project Status and Diplomatic Engagements

Al Jaber assured that construction at ADNOC's major Ruwais LNG export facility, a key project for Japanese buyers including Mitsui & Co., remains on track and has not been suspended due to the regional conflict. His visit included a meeting with Japanese Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa. Separately, Japan's trade ministry noted that Minister Akazawa also held an online meeting with Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister to discuss bilateral energy cooperation, highlighting Japan's broad diplomatic outreach to secure energy supplies.