Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. CEO Sultan Al Jaber met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo as Middle East tensions disrupt energy flows to Asia. Al Jaber, who also serves as the UAE's minister for industry and advanced technology, warned that energy security could be compromised if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.

Japan's heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil makes it vulnerable to supply disruptions. At least one Japanese refiner has already canceled March exports of diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline. The potential for higher domestic fuel and power prices threatens to undermine Takaichi's inflation-fighting agenda.

Before meeting Takaichi, Al Jaber held talks with Japanese Trade, Economy and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa. Separately, Akazawa conducted an online meeting with Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud to discuss bilateral energy cooperation. The meetings underscore how Middle East instability is forcing Asian energy importers to urgently reassess their supply chains and security strategies.