Japan is witnessing a growing shortage of plastic bags, food trays and disposable gloves as disruptions in naphtha supplies, caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East, continue to impact industries and everyday life across the country. The shortage has started affecting supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants and waste management systems, raising concerns among businesses and consumers alike.
Naphtha, a petroleum-derived chemical extracted during crude oil refining, is an essential raw material used in the production of plastics, packaging materials, adhesives, printing ink and various industrial goods. Japan relies heavily on crude oil imports from the Middle East, making it particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions linked to geopolitical instability in the region. Recent conflict involving Iran and tensions around energy routes have severely impacted the availability of the petrochemical feedstock across East Asia.
According to data released by the Japan Petrochemical Industry Association, production of polyethylene — commonly used in garbage and shopping bags — witnessed a steep decline earlier this year compared to 2025 levels. The shortages have now started reaching consumers directly, with many stores reducing the use of plastic packaging and encouraging customers to bring reusable containers and bags.
Several supermarkets in Japan have reportedly stopped providing individual plastic produce bags and trays because of rising prices and inadequate supply. Bakeries and takeaway food outlets are also struggling to secure plastic gloves and food packaging materials. In some cities, stores have introduced incentives for customers who carry reusable containers for packed meals and food items.
The crisis has also affected municipal waste collection systems. Many Japanese cities require residents to dispose of waste in designated coloured plastic garbage bags. However, panic buying and hoarding by residents fearing prolonged shortages have led to depleted stocks in stores. As a temporary measure, several municipalities have begun allowing residents to use non-designated bags for waste disposal. Retailers in some areas have imposed purchase limits to control panic buying.
Despite government assurances that the situation is a temporary supply bottleneck rather than a severe shortage, industry experts have warned that the crisis could worsen in the coming weeks if supply chains remain disrupted. Former Marubeni chief executive Fumiya Kokubu recently cautioned that Japan could begin facing wider shortages of chemical products by late June due to difficulties in replacing Middle Eastern naphtha imports.
The impact is not limited to Japan. South Korea and Taiwan, which also depend significantly on Middle Eastern petrochemical imports, are facing similar shortages and rising plastic prices. Governments across the region are urging citizens to avoid hoarding and are monitoring markets to prevent profiteering.
Experts believe the ongoing crisis highlights the vulnerability of Asian economies to disruptions in global energy supply chains and may accelerate discussions around alternative materials, recycling and reduced dependence on single-use plastics in the future.
