Japan

〔NY石油〕WTI5日続伸、62．02ドル＝3カ月ぶり高値（14日）

Yahoo Finance | Local Language | News | Jan. 16, 2026 | UndeterminedEnergy Prices

On January 14, 2026, crude oil futures for U.S. benchmark WTI rose for a fifth consecutive day on the New York Mercantile Exchange, reaching a three-month high settlement price of $62.02 per barrel for the February contract. The March contract also increased, settling at $61.88. The rise was primarily driven by escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran, with warnings of possible retaliatory attacks on U.S. military bases if the U.S. intervened in Iran’s ongoing anti-government protests.

Despite these concerns pushing prices higher, the market faced some restraint from reports that Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, resumed crude exports under U.S. oversight and started reversing prior production cuts linked to U.S. export restrictions. Additionally, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported an unexpected build in U.S. crude inventories by 3.4 million barrels for the week ending January 9, alongside a 9 million barrel increase in gasoline stocks, surpassing market expectations and tempering the rally.

Later on January 14, remarks from U.S. President Trump indicating a reduction in violence against protesters in Iran eased geopolitical fears, leading to a sharp sell-off of crude oil prices in after-hours trading, with prices dropping into the $59 range. Gasoline and heating oil futures also rose for the fifth straight session, with gasoline closing at 183.04 cents per gallon and heating oil at 228.19 cents per gallon.

Japan Institute for National Fundamentals | English | AcademicThink | Jan. 16, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

On January 13, 2026, the circumstances surrounding the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro were analyzed. The Trump administration justified this action based on Maduro’s regime policies since 2013, which included control-oriented economic measures that led to severe economic contraction, hyperinflation, and shortages causing mass emigration. Moreover, Maduro’s government was accused of repeated human rights violations and connections with terrorist-designated groups involved in narcotics trafficking, posing threats to U.S. security.

In response, the U.S. action aimed to promote Venezuela’s economic reconstruction and democratization, counteracting refugee crises, drug trafficking, and military threats from foreign powers such as China, Russia, and Cuba. The move was not intended as aggression or unlawful occupation but rather as a strategic attempt to restore stability and democratic governance in Venezuela.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, on January 4, 2026, reiterated Japan’s long-standing position emphasizing the restoration of democracy, respect for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in Venezuela. Japan committed to cooperating with G7 and regional countries to protect Japanese nationals and promote diplomatic efforts for democracy and stability in Venezuela. Japan underscored that political leaders undermining fundamental values cannot be justified, even if military actions like the U.S. capture of Maduro are contentious. Japan’s National Security Strategy highlights protecting Japanese interests while upholding universal values, and Japan reaffirmed its proactive contribution to peace through supporting a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

NHK | English | News | Jan. 16, 2026 | Accidents

At least 32 people have died and more than 60 others injured after a construction crane fell onto a passenger train in Thailand. The accident took place on Wednesday morning in Nakhon Ratchasima province, in the northeast part of the country. The train, which was traveling from Bangkok, had around 200 passengers on board at the time.

Firefighters responded to a blaze caused by the train derailment. Authorities confirmed that all those killed or injured are Thai nationals. The crane was part of ongoing work on an elevated high-speed railway line, a joint project involving China. However, a spokesperson from Beijing's foreign ministry noted that the specific section where the incident occurred is reportedly being constructed by a Thai company.

An official investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crane collapse.