Imports of crude oil fell 0.3 percent in April from a year ago to 115.11 million barrels after rising 2.7 percent in March, the Natural Resources and Energy Agency said Tuesday.

Imports from the Middle East accounted for 88.7 percent of April's imports, down 0.1 percentage point from the year before.

Saudi Arabia remained Japan's largest oil supplier, with imports from the country expanding 8.8 percent to 32.77 million barrels, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 25.48 million barrels, down 17.1 percent.

Iran stayed in third place, despite imports from the country falling 12.9 percent to 17.17 million barrels.