CommoditiesLocal refining, alternative imports boost inventories, but chemical shortages persistJapanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with cabinet ministers about the Middle East situation on April 30. (Photo by Ken Suzuki)Nikkei staff writersMay 1, 2026 01:42 JSTTOKYO -- Japan's supply of naphtha, a key feedstock refined from crude oil, is now expected to last through the year as buyers tap supply channels outside the Middle East, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Thursday.