LIFEFUND Inc. (Location: Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; Representative: Takuma Shirato) is issuing warning information for those currently planning to build a home regarding the impact of the Naphtha crisis, which has grown severe since March 2026, on housing building materials.

What is the Naphtha Crisis and why does it affect home building?

In late February 2026, triggered by military conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial chokepoint for Middle Eastern energy transport—was effectively blockaded.

Japan relies on the Middle East for approximately 90% of its crude oil imports. This blockade affects more than just gasoline and electricity rates. Many housing materials, such as insulation, pipes, and paints, use "Naphtha," a byproduct of petroleum refining, as their raw material. As the procurement of Naphtha has begun to stagnate, direct impacts are starting to emerge in housing materials as well.

Impact on Housing Materials

In response to fears over Naphtha supply, major chemical manufacturers (such as Mitsubishi Chemical, Mitsui Chemicals, and Asahi Kasei) have successively announced production cuts at ethylene facilities. Following this, housing material manufacturers are also moving to raise prices.

Insulation Kanelite Foam (manufactured by Kaneka): Announced a 40% price increase compared to current rates for shipments starting April 1, 2026. *Source: https://www.kaneka.co.jp/topics/news/2026/nr2603195.html

Piping and Equipment Materials Polyvinyl Chloride Resin (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.): Announced a price increase of over 30 yen/kg for deliveries starting April 1, 2026. *Source: Yomiuri Shimbun Online (March 2026)

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey