The Japanese government insists that the naphtha supply is secure, but polls show that over 60% of the public remain unconvinced.

1. According to a nationwide public opinion survey conducted by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun from May 22 to 24, 64% of respondents said they "cannot accept" the Japanese government's claim that "the supply of naphtha refined from crude oil poses no issue." Even among those who support the current cabinet, 57% expressed a negative attitude toward the government's explanation.2. Naphtha is a byproduct of crude oil refining and is widely used in the production of plastics, insulation foams, adhesives, synthetic fibers, medical supplies such as syringes, as well as printing ink solvents and other materials. Japan is highly dependent on imports of crude oil and naphtha from the Middle East.3. Due to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, industries such as construction, food processing, and daily consumer goods production in Japan have clearly felt the impact of naphtha shortages, further deepening public distrust in the government's explanation.