Oil importers adapt as Iran tensions redraw global supply routes

Ongoing tensions involving Iran are pushing major oil importers to develop alternative supply routes that bypass traditional hubs, shifting global energy trade from concentrated corridors to a more dispersed, costly network. Japan, the world's fifth-largest oil buyer, sourced over 90% of its crude from the Middle East before the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran disrupted Gulf exports, forcing it to turn to North America. Japanese U.S. crude imports from March through June topped 4.5 million metric tons, a 400% year-over-year jump, offsetting a 54% fall in Middle Eastern shipments despite a nine-day longer journey. South Korea, India, and China have also revamped sourcing, with U.S., Brazilian, and African exporters posting record shipments to fill the gap. Longer transit times and higher costs are accepted as redundancy now outweighs efficiency amid geopolitical uncertainty.