Announcements posted at some gas stations in Japan are causing significant discussion on social media. They say: "There is no gasoline. Say thank you to Trump." There are serious geopolitical and economic factors behind these statements.
As is known, Japan is not a country rich in energy resources. It imports the bulk of its petroleum products from abroad. In particular, about 90-95% of the oil consumed by the country comes from the countries of the Persian Gulf region. Among these countries are major exporters such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Most importantly, almost all of this volume of oil is transported through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. This strait is a crucial point in the world's energy supply. Millions of barrels of oil pass through it daily. Therefore, any tension or military threat in this region immediately affects global markets.
Recently, political tensions in the Persian Gulf region, especially the escalation of relations between the US and Iran, pose a threat to the oil supply chain. Some analysts link this situation to the policies of US President Donald Trump. It is emphasized that the imposition of strict sanctions against Iran during his tenure and the increased pressure in the region created a certain basis for the current situation.
As a result, increased risks on transport routes, increased insurance costs, and disruptions in logistics lead to an increase in oil prices. This can lead to gasoline shortages or price increases in countries heavily dependent on imports, such as Japan.
A simple announcement in Japan embodies complex processes such as global energy security, geopolitical contradictions, and economic dependence. This situation once again demonstrates how fragile the stability of the world is.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
