The reality of the "naphtha shock" in Japan, stemming from the situation in the Middle East. While the direct impact on beauty salons, such as shortages, is yet to come, the painting industry is already facing a crisis, and the focus for the immediate future will be whether they can survive May.
Serious Naphtha Shock… Thinner Price Increases and Shortages Also Occurring
(Kunihiko Oishi, Anchorman)
At Marutake Painting in Nishi Ward, Nagoya, which we interviewed on the 27th, the purchase price of thinner they handle has increased by approximately 50% for shipments from April 1st compared to before the US attack on Iran. From shipments on May 10th, it has increased by approximately 100%. The purchase price has almost doubled compared to before the Iran attack. Furthermore, protective film will increase in price by more than 20% from July 1st, and masking tape, necessary for masking, will also increase in price by more than 20% from July 1st. The exact price increases are yet to be determined, but if there is no progress in the Middle East situation, further price increases seem unavoidable.
"The thinner shortage hasn't improved!"
On April 16th, at a ministerial meeting on the Middle East situation, Prime Minister Takaichi indicated her understanding that "shipments from thinner manufacturers are recovering and the situation is improving."
But what's the reality? We spoke to the Japan Painting Industry Association, which has 2,300 member painting companies nationwide, and they said, "The thinner shortage hasn't improved! We requested the government to ensure a reliable supply of thinner and paint, but the situation hasn't changed." In other words, there's a discrepancy between the government's assessment of the situation and the reality on the ground.
"Things were better during the oil shock."
So, what about the thinner manufacturers upstream, rather than the painting companies downstream?
We spoke to Sankyo Chemical, headquartered in Nagoya, and they said that because they can't obtain toluene and xylene, which are necessary for manufacturing thinner, from petrochemical manufacturers, they are prioritizing existing customers and have stopped new sales.
The shortage of goods, which hasn't been resolved even upstream, may or may not be a phenomenon occurring only in certain areas, but a veteran employee at Sankyo Chemical said, "Things were better during the oil crisis," illustrating the harsh reality on the ground today. (From CBC TV's "Chant!" broadcast on April 27, 2026)
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Serious naphtha crisis… Thinner prices rise and shortages increase; a "gap" between the governmen...
