The Alaska oil was traded for oil from mostly South America oil. The Alyeska group tried to run the initial pipeline through Canada to the refineries in Illinois and down to Texas, but Canada wouldn't agree. It's a matter of getting the crude to a refinery. Some did go to souther California, but I know of no time did we sell to Japan and then buy it back. It could have gotten mixed with oil from other counties and if the price dropped so profit could be made, then it's possible.

Pap