Japan food prices set to rise from war-driven plastic packaging costs

Prolonged disruption to energy flows via the Strait of Hormuz has reduced naphtha availability, a key ingredient for plastic packaging. This is set to drive up food prices in Japan. The Japan Times reports.

Prolonged disruption to energy flows via the Strait of Hormuz has cut the availability of naphtha, a critical ingredient in plastic packaging production. The Japan Times reports this will lead to higher food prices in Japan.

Naphtha, derived from oil and gas, is essential for packaging materials. The war in the Middle East, linked to Iran, has hindered flows through the strait, driving up costs.

This development adds to inflationary pressures. The article was published on April 30, 2026.

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Dramatic photo illustration of blocked Strait of Hormuz oil tankers, Iran-launched missiles striking Israel, and surging oil prices amid war escalation.
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Iran-Israel war escalates with Strait of Hormuz closure

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The ongoing war between Iran and Israel has intensified, with missile exchanges and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global oil supplies. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, fueling market declines and inflation fears worldwide. Governments are responding with measures to stabilize energy markets amid concerns over prolonged conflict.

Japan has secured enough petroleum-derived naphtha—key for manufacturing medical supplies and consumer goods—to last into 2027, easing shortage fears amid escalating Middle East tensions including the Iran war.

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Mizkan has suspended sales of four natto products due to supply strains from rising procurement costs. The company said the war in the Middle East has pressured packed natto production.

The Japanese government is weighing the use of part of its national oil reserves due to supply disruptions from the Iran crisis. Kyodo News reported on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, affecting imports. Officials plan to monitor the situation and possibly coordinate with other countries.

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Global food prices rose to their highest level since September in March, fueled by higher energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization cautioned that a prolonged war could reduce planting and yields, affecting supplies and prices through this year and beyond.

Oil prices surged about 20% on Monday as the expanding U.S.-Israeli war with Iran prompted major Middle Eastern producers to cut supplies, reaching highs not seen since July 2022. Iraq and Kuwait have reduced output, amid fears of prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict could impose weeks or months of elevated fuel costs worldwide, even if it resolves quickly.

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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed 'serious concern' over attacks on vessels around the Strait of Hormuz during an online G7 leaders' meeting, urging early de-escalation. Japan plans to lead in releasing oil reserves to avert an economic crisis through international coordination.

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