Japan is bracing itself for a potential scarcity in gasoline imported from Russia in August. If the predicted shortage materializes, it may lead to higher fuel prices and could significantly impact the Japanese transportation industry, as well as individual consumers.

Japan heavily relies on imported energy resources, including gasoline, due to a lack of abundant domestic resources. Any fluctuation in these international markets directly impacts a broad range of businesses and households across Japan, particularly concerning costs and availability. The importance of stable international relations for resource importation is a recurring topic of public and political debate.

In the US or EU, while there are also concerns about gas shortages and energy dependency, these regions have multiple sources of supply and more diversified energy sources, including domestic production. Thus, their concern and response might not be as acute as Japan’s. Additionally, coping strategies, such as resource diversification and investment in renewable energy, vary across these regions.