Japanese oil refiners are moving to secure Middle Eastern crude earlier than usual following the shutdown of a major Saudi Arabian pipeline, raising concerns over near-term oil supplies.

Eneos Holdings and Idemitsu Kosan have recently purchased Oman crude for loading as early as October, according to traders familiar with the deals.

The purchases are earlier than the normal schedule for Gulf crude, as cargoes bought in September would typically be loaded in November.

The development highlights growing concerns among Japanese refiners about the availability of crude from the Middle East, a key source of oil for the Asian country.

The Saudi pipeline shutdown has increased pressure on refiners to secure supplies ahead of potential disruptions, prompting them to bring forward their procurement plans.

Oman crude provides Japanese refiners with another source of Middle Eastern oil as they seek to maintain steady feedstock supplies for their refineries.

Japan relies heavily on imported crude to meet its energy needs, making disruptions to major oil-producing regions or transportation routes a concern for refiners and fuel markets.

The early purchases by Eneos and Idemitsu indicate that refiners are taking precautionary steps to lock in supplies before market conditions potentially tighten further.

The move could also increase competition for available Middle Eastern crude among Asian buyers if the disruption continues, potentially affecting crude prices and refining costs.

For Japanese refiners, securing cargoes ahead of their usual buying cycle could provide greater certainty over crude availability and refinery operations in the coming months.