Even if Tokyo imposes a citywide lockdown to combat a spike in coronavirus cases, company and industry officials said Japanese refiners are preparing to maintain their refining operations and supply of oil products.
After recent remarks by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike about a possibility of imposing tough quarantine measures, the Japanese refiners’ readiness to ensure their stable oil products supply came to light.
Idemitsu Kosan and JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy said they were ready to ensure their oil products supply remained stable, although it remains unclear how exactly the lockdown could be enforced.
Refiners in Japan are considered an essential service. During a lockdown, refineries would likely be required to continue operating. The Japanese refiners’ preparedness for Tokyo’s possible lockdown comes as India imposed a 21-day nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.
