South Korea orders alternate-day driving for public employees

South Korea will introduce stricter energy-saving measures for public employees next week, requiring them to alternate car use every other day as concerns grow over crude oil supply disruptions linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

The country’s climate ministry announced on Wednesday, April 1, that an odd-even driving system will take effect from April 8. Under the scheme, public employees using fossil-fuel vehicles will only be allowed to drive on designated days based on their license plate numbers, AP reports.

The move follows an earlier step introduced on March 25, when the government required public employees to keep their cars off the road for at least one weekday to curb fuel consumption during the conflict.

Officials said the tightening measures come after the national alert level on crude oil supplies was raised, reflecting fears that the Middle East crisis could become prolonged and further strain global energy markets.

Certain categories will be exempt from the restrictions, including electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, as well as cars used by people with disabilities and pregnant women.

By Tamilla Hasanova