Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) has introduced a priority fuel supply scheme for vehicles delivering pharmaceuticals and medical devices in areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake.
The MHLW issued an administrative communication on July 31 after receiving reports that shortages of gasoline and diesel fuel were disrupting deliveries to medical institutions, pharmacies, and evacuation centers in the disaster zone. The ministry said the measure was rolled out in coordination with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Under the scheme, eligible organizations, including the Federation of Japan Pharmaceutical Wholesalers Association (JPWA), must submit vehicle and route information to the MHLW in advance. Registered vehicles presenting the administrative communication and an official identification pass will receive priority refueling at designated service stations operated under METI’s emergency fuel supply network.
