What alternative regions is Asahi Kasei sourcing naphtha from amid Middle East supply disruptions?

Asahi Kasei is sourcing naphtha from the US, Central and South America, Africa, and Central Asia, as stated by President Koshiro Kudo at a press conference in Tokyo. The company is also working closely with the Japanese government to broaden its supply base in response to curtailed supplies caused by the war in the Middle East.

Why is Japan particularly vulnerable to naphtha supply disruptions from the Middle East?

Japan is particularly vulnerable because it imports around 60% of its naphtha from overseas, and more than 70% of those imports come from the Middle East, according to the Japan Petrochemical Industry Association — a situation exacerbated by the war, which has curtailed production and closed key shipping routes.

Japan's Asahi Kasei Says Seeking Alternative Sources of Naphtha

Apr 14, 2026

Japanese chemicals maker Asahi Kasei is diversifying naphtha sourcing across multiple regions amid Middle East war disruptions. The company anticipates product price hikes due to supply-chain issues but aims to maintain procurement beyond May.

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