[Japanese Official: Japan Plans to Release Approximately 36 Million Barrels of National Oil Reserves Starting Early May] According to a report by Jinse Finance on April 15, a senior official from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry stated on Wednesday that Japan plans to release approximately 36 million barrels of national oil reserves starting early May, with contracts with refineries expected to be finalized by the end of April. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said last week that Japan plans to utilize 20 days' worth of oil reserves starting in May to ensure stable domestic supply. At the same time, Japan is also seeking oil resources outside the Middle East, as the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to disrupt global energy transportation. On March 16, Japan began unilaterally releasing oil reserves and coordinated with other countries, preparing enough reserves to supply 50 days according to the plan. The additional 20 days' worth of reserves being released this time is on top of that. Japan's daily oil demand is approximately 1.8 million barrels. (Jin10)