Japan Refuses to Join G7 Strategic Oil Reserve Release

🛢️ TOKYO — G7 agreed to release reserves. Japan just opted out. 📌 LOOK CLOSER: Japan imports nearly all its crude through Gulf routes — making it the most exposed G7 member. Its refusal to release national stocks breaks reserve coalition unity and signals Tokyo is hedging for domestic emergency, not collective price management. For markets, one fewer buffer against the Hormuz shock. For Washington, a key Pacific ally is quietly prioritizing self-preservation over alliance solidarity.