Japan's home improvement stores limit sales to curb Iran war panic-buying

Despite government assurances, consumers fear naphtha-based products will be in short supply

Cainz, Japan's largest home improvement chain by sales, says it has noticed a hoarding trend for certain products among businesses and consumers since late March. (Photo by Makoto Okada)

TOKYO -- Consumers and businesses in Japan are hoarding oil-based products in fear of shortages in the coming months due to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, despite the Japanese government's assurances that the country has secured sufficient supplies.