Why is Japan's Taiyo Oil receiving Russian crude oil from Sakhalin-2 despite Japan's broader suspension of Russian oil imports?

Japan is receiving the Sakhalin-2 cargo because the U.S. has granted a temporary exemption for oil sales from that project, which expires on June 18; this exception allows continued imports despite Japan’s general suspension of Russian oil purchases following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

What is driving Japan’s decision to import oil from Sakhalin-2 at this time?

Japan is seeking alternative oil supplies after the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran—escalating in late February—has largely cut off its imports from the Gulf, which had been Tokyo’s main oil source before the Middle East conflict disrupted supply routes, including those through the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan's Taiyo Oil to receive cargo of oil from Russia's Sakhalin-2, Mainichi says

May 1, 2026

Japan's Taiyo Oil will receive crude oil from Russia's Sakhalin-2 project under a U.S. exemption valid until June 18. This shipment aids supply security amid disruptions to Gulf imports caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

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2026-05-01

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Japan's Taiyo Oil to receive cargo of oil from Russia's Sakhalin-2, Mainichi says

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