Iran conflict threatens Japan's banana supply

Japan, a nation that imports around one million tons of bananas annually, could soon face a shortage of the popular fruit. This culinary staple, found in every convenience store, is facing an unexpected threat linked to the conflict in Iran.

The war's impact extends beyond oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, a route critical for global energy needs. It disrupts the supply of industrial chemicals derived from crude oil, including ethylene gas. This gas is essential for artificially ripening bananas, a process vital for Japan's import market.

Japanese banana importers have reportedly been notified that ethylene gas supply may halt in July. Bananas imported to Japan are harvested green and unripe. They are then artificially ripened using ethylene gas in special chambers before reaching consumers. Without this gas, the bananas would remain inedible, posing a significant challenge to Japan's fruit supply.