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Tensions in the Middle East are
for a shortage of a hydrocarbon
called naphtha. This is an important
in the production of plastics,
and printing ink. It is derived from crude oil. At the end of April, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi assured industry
that Japan had secured enough naphtha to last beyond this year. She said countermeasures would be taken to ensure a
of the liquid. These include a ramping up of
production, and a threefold increase in naphtha
from countries outside the Middle East. However, Calbee said: "Depending on how the
evolves, we anticipate the possibility of additional
arising."
