TOKYO - Medical institutions across Japan are coming under increasing financial strain as rising prices for plastic and rubber—key materials in essential medical supplies—begin to weigh heavily on operations, prompting the government to release national oil reserves on March 26th in an effort to curb inflation and stabilize supply.
The release began at a facility in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, marking the first such move nationwide, with approximately 8.5 million kiloliters of oil—equivalent to about one month’s supply—set to be distributed from 11 storage bases across the country, following earlier releases from private reserves to ensure stable supply.
Oil-derived products have continued to be affected by tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns over shortages of medical supplies, particularly those reliant on petroleum-based materials.
At an internal medicine clinic in Fukuoka, concerns are mounting over the financial impact. Clinic director Satoshi Inoue explained that syringes are made of plastic, while sealing components use rubber, and that IV bags and gloves are also petroleum-based, warning that rising costs for these materials could significantly affect operations.
Disposable rubber gloves that previously sold for around 450 yen per box of 100 are now being priced at over 1,000 yen in some cases, highlighting the sharp increase in procurement costs.
Inoue noted that when prices rise for items that cannot be reused, medical institutions are forced to absorb the additional costs, placing further pressure on their finances.
Particularly affected are forceps used in endoscopic procedures, with prices reportedly increasing by about 10,000 yen per unit. Because such equipment costs cannot be directly billed to patients, clinics must bear the burden themselves, meaning that higher prices directly erode profitability.
Although the clinic currently maintains stockpiles of key supplies, officials warn that conditions could worsen depending on future developments. Inoue expressed frustration over the rapid changes, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
Meanwhile, in Hokkaido, a different impact of rising fuel costs is emerging, with bicycles gaining popularity as consumers seek alternatives to increasingly expensive gasoline.
In Sapporo, where long winters typically limit bicycle use, a surge in demand has been observed, particularly for second-hand bikes. A used bicycle shop that began operations for the season on March 14th has seen a steady stream of customers.
The shop sells bicycles recovered by the city as abandoned property, which are purchased at auction and refurbished by qualified technicians who replace worn components such as brake pads and tires before reselling them at roughly half the price of new models.
Satoru Soma of Hope Recycled Bicycle Sales said the shop prioritizes safety, ensuring that critical components such as brakes and tires are thoroughly serviced, along with rotating parts that affect ride quality.
At another bicycle retailer in the city, both new and used bicycles are on display, with store manager Takashi Oyamada noting that many customers opt for second-hand bikes due to the high cost of new models. He added that key components such as brake wires are replaced, allowing customers to use the bicycles without additional repairs.
Sport-type bicycles suitable for commuting and school use are particularly popular, with the ability to compare new and used options seen as a major advantage.
However, caution is advised when riding in snowy regions during early spring, as gravel spread on roads during winter for traction can cause slipping or punctures.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated on March 26th that while there have been no immediate reports of disruptions to Japan’s oil supply-demand balance, the release of reserves aims to prevent any potential shortages in domestic petroleum products and contribute to stabilizing supply in international markets.
The government also plans to begin releasing approximately five days’ worth of oil from jointly held reserves with oil-producing countries within March.
Source: FNN
