Government, JICA to study stockpiling and supply chains in four ASEAN countries for a year

2026-06-06

The government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA, will begin efforts to strengthen energy supply networks in Southeast Asian nations. The Philippines has been designated the top priority for support, and public and private oil stockpiling facilities and institutional issues will be examined as early as this summer.

Four ASEAN countries to receive support

The countries targeted for support are the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. In addition to the top-priority Philippines, Vietnam will be positioned as a priority support country.

The Philippines relies on the Middle East for most of its crude oil procurement and declared a national energy emergency after armed conflict between the United States and Iran. Its stockpiling system is underdeveloped, and it has only one refinery.

Vietnam is also seen as having an insufficient stockpiling system. It is one of the key hubs in the supply chain for medical supplies to Japan, and support is said to be essential to maintain stable medical services.

Inspecting stockpiling systems and supply chains

Cambodia and Laos, which have limited oil stockpiling infrastructure, depend on Thailand and Vietnam for oil supplies. The survey will identify regional issues through Thailand and Vietnam. Malaysia, which has a high degree of energy self-sufficiency, will be limited to a document review.

The backdrop to the support is the current situation in which ASEAN is strengthening economic ties with China. As Japan has a state oil stockpiling system, the aim is to show values different from China in the field of energy security.

There are no plans to directly supply crude oil or petroleum products from Japan. The study will examine local stockpiling systems, analyze refinery locations, processing capacity and signs of aging, and also check the capacity and condition of stockpiling tanks as well as room for expanding sites.

The locations of ports and terminals, and the size of tankers that can enter, will also be covered. In addition, the study will examine the state of laws related to stockpiling, the breakdown between state and private stockpiles, management systems, and the decision-making process for releasing reserves in an emergency.

It will also look at the supply chain from crude oil procurement to the distribution of petroleum products. The survey will calculate whether alternative shipping routes are available and the cost of transiting them, and will also assess impacts on the medical and industrial sectors, including medical gloves and dialysis circuits exported to Japan. The study is expected to take one year. Publication will also be considered within limits that do not affect diplomatic ties or private-sector activity.

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