Calbee, Japan's largest snack company, announced it will switch to black-and-white packaging for 14 of its products by the end of May due to a shortage of naphtha, a key ingredient in printing ink. This shortage has arisen from the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted supplies amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. The company, known for its vibrant packaging, is also delaying the launch of a new snack as a precaution. Approximately 40% of Japan's naphtha is imported from the Middle East, making the country particularly sensitive to fluctuations in supply. In response to the shortages, Japanese officials have reported that imports from regions outside the Middle East have tripled in May compared to pre-war levels. Kei Sato, a senior government spokesperson, reassured the public that there will not be widespread disruptions in naphtha supplies, emphasizing that the country has secured adequate quantities for essential functions. Despite these assurances, Calbee's shares fell by over 1% following the announcement, while the Nikkei 225 Index rose overall. Calbee, founded in Hiroshima in 1949, has grown to become a major player in the snack industry, with its products available across Asia, Europe, and the US.