Unstable situations in the Middle East are causing big problems for energy markets worldwide. This crisis has made fuel prices go up. People are also worried about getting the supplies they need. Because of this, Japan and New Zealand have taken action. Japan is releasing oil from its stores. New Zealand is giving money to families who need help.
Japan needs a lot of oil from other countries. Most of it comes from the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz is a very important sea route. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that peace in the Middle East is important for everyone. Japan has started to release about 80 million barrels of oil. This is enough oil for almost 45 days in Japan. This shows how serious the situation is. The government is also helping people by giving money for gasoline. This has lowered prices from a high of ¥190.8 to ¥170 per litre.
New Zealand is also facing higher petrol costs. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the government cannot control world oil prices. However, she said the government will help families. Starting April 1st, some families will get NZ$50 each week for a year. This money is for families with children who work and do not get government benefits. Other families will also get some money. This is to help with the rising cost of petrol, which is now over $3 per litre.
Some people in New Zealand have criticized the help. They say it does not help people on benefits or retired people. This could make some problems worse. After the announcement, some people bought a lot of petrol quickly. This caused short shortages at some stations. The main reason for high fuel prices is the conflict in the Middle East. This region is very important for oil transport. When there are problems there, it affects the whole world.