Japanese Companies Change Packaging Due to Middle East Oil Disruptions

May 12, 2026, 18:50

Introduction

Calbee, Japan's leading snack manufacturer, has announced that it will temporarily use black-and-white packaging for several products because of raw material shortages caused by the conflict in Iran.

Main Body

Starting May 25, 2026, Calbee will use grayscale designs for 14 products, including potato chips and Frugra cereal. This decision was caused by a shortage of naphtha, a petroleum product used to make the inks for commercial printing. Japan relies on the Middle East for about 40% of its naphtha. The current problem began when the Strait of Hormuz was closed following military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, which disrupted 20% of global oil shipments and increased costs in Asia. Calbee is not the only company facing these issues. Other businesses, such as Itoham Yonekyu and several drink manufacturers, have also reduced the number of colors on their packaging. Furthermore, companies like Mizkan have stopped producing certain items because they lack plastic trays. These problems have also affected the automotive and aviation industries; for example, Toyota and Hyundai have seen lower profits, and Air Canada has cancelled several international flights due to high fuel costs. To address these problems, the Japanese government is trying to reduce public concern. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato emphasized that the government has secured enough naphtha for essential services and tripled imports from other regions in May. Additionally, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi asserted that Japan is diversifying its suppliers by buying more from the United States, and she stated that energy restrictions for citizens are not necessary at this time.

Conclusion

Japanese companies are continuing to save costs and resources while the government works to find new supply routes to avoid relying on the Strait of Hormuz.

Learning

⚡ The "Cause and Effect" Jump

At the A2 level, you probably say: "There is a war, so there is no ink." This is correct, but to reach B2, you need to connect ideas using formal causal links.

Look at how this article connects problems to results:

"...caused by..." $\rightarrow$ Shortages caused by the conflict.
"...due to..." $\rightarrow$ Flights cancelled due to high fuel costs.
"...following..." $\rightarrow$ Closed following military actions.

Why this matters for B2: Instead of using the word "so" or "because" every time, B2 speakers use these phrases to sound more professional and precise.

🛠️ Vocabulary Upgrade: Precision Over Simplicity

Stop using "small" or "big" words. Notice these B2-level verbs from the text that replace basic A2 actions:

A2 Word (Simple)	B2 Word (Precise)	Example from Text
Help / Fix	Address	To address* these problems...*
Say strongly	Assert	Takaichi asserted* that Japan is...*
Make different	Diversify	...diversifying its suppliers...

💡 Pro Tip: The "Passive" Shift

Notice this sentence: "The current problem began when the Strait of Hormuz was closed."

An A2 student says: "The US closed the Strait." A B2 student says: "The Strait was closed."

The Secret: In B2 English, we often focus on the action (the closure) rather than the person doing it. This makes your writing sound objective and academic.

Vocabulary Learning

shortage (n.)

an insufficient supply of something

Example:The sudden shortage of raw materials forced the factory to halt production.

disrupted (v.)

interrupted or disturbed the normal flow of something

Example:Oil shipments were disrupted after the Strait of Hormuz was closed.

manufacturers (n.)

companies that produce goods

Example:Calbee, a snack manufacturer, changed its packaging to cope with the shortage.

suppliers (n.)

companies or individuals that provide materials or services

Example:Japan is diversifying its suppliers to reduce risk of shortages.

diversifying (v.)

making varied or including different options

Example:Japan is diversifying its suppliers by buying more from the United States.

resources (n.)

materials or assets that can be used

Example:The company is saving resources by using fewer colors on its packaging.

reliance (n.)

dependence on something

Example:Japan’s reliance on Middle East naphtha was highlighted by the recent disruptions.

concern (n.)

a worry or issue

Example:The government is addressing public concern about rising fuel costs.

essential (adj.)

absolutely necessary

Example:The government secured enough naphtha for essential services during the shortage.

tripled (v.)

increased threefold

Example:Imports from other regions tripled in May to meet the demand.

international (adj.)

involving more than one country

Example:Air Canada cancelled several international flights due to high fuel costs.

fuel costs (n.)

expenses for fuel

Example:High fuel costs caused airlines to cancel flights and increase ticket prices.

cancelled (v.)

called off or removed from a schedule

Example:Air Canada cancelled several international flights because of higher fuel costs.

profits (n.)

earnings after expenses have been deducted

Example:Toyota saw lower profits due to increased fuel costs and reduced sales.

government (n.)

the governing body of a country

Example:The Japanese government is trying to reduce public concern about fuel shortages.

public (adj.)

relating to or affecting the general population

Example:The government is addressing public concern about the impact on everyday life.

secured (v.)

obtained or guaranteed

Example:The government secured enough naphtha for essential services during the crisis.

imports (n.)

goods or services brought into a country from abroad

Example:Imports from other regions tripled in May to compensate for the shortage.

energy (n.)

power or the ability to do work

Example:Energy restrictions for citizens were deemed unnecessary at this time.

restrictions (n.)

limitations or rules that limit actions

Example:The government announced that energy restrictions would not be imposed.