TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Up to nine crude oil tankers are due to reach Taiwan by the end of May, giving officials confidence that fuel, asphalt, and petrochemical supplies can withstand disruption from the Middle East conflict.

Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) told lawmakers Wednesday that four tankers were expected in April and another four or five in May, while CPC’s oil stockpile is secure for about 140 days, per UDN.

Kung said CPC and Formosa Petrochemical each still had one tanker in the Persian Gulf. Other shipments have been moved through the Red Sea and alternative routes.

CPC has also shifted more of its crude purchases to the US, which now accounts for 60% of its supply. Kung said the change would reduce Taiwan’s exposure to geopolitical shocks.

DPP Legislator Tsai Yi-yu (蔡易餘) asked whether a Taiwan-flagged tanker carrying 2 million barrels of crude to Mailiao Port could help ease shortages of plastic packaging materials and asphalt.

Kung said Taiwan’s daily consumption of crude amounts to about 150,000 barrels, which indicates the incoming shipment would cover more than half a month of demand, according to UDN. He said continued arrivals should help to steady energy supplies and petrochemical feedstocks.

The ministry’s initial review found the domestic asphalt industry could handle demand through June, per the report. CPC is now starting to buy asphalt from overseas, with Formosa Petrochemical likely to expand output after it gets its hands on more crude.

Kung said the ministry could help contractors find suppliers if asphalt shortages delay individual projects.