South Korea to step up measures amid Middle East-driven energy crisis

South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook stressed that the government must take all necessary steps to ensure that the impact of the energy crisis caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East does not affect the daily lives of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable groups.

Speaking at an emergency meeting on the economic situation, Han warned that the Middle East ceasefire is at risk of collapsing and that rising global oil prices are increasing pressure on South Korea’s economy, including consumer prices and supply chains, Caliber.Az reports, citing Yonhap.

"We should take instability in international oil prices as a constant and take mid- and long-term steps. We should thoroughly check on the supply situations of crude oil and naphtha and actively seek to use detour routes and diversify supply chains," she emphasised.

Han also noted that soaring energy prices, extreme heat, and heavy rainfall are placing additional burdens on the population.

“Related ministries should try to make sure that the energy impact from the Middle East does not spill over into the lives of people,” the prime minister said.

By Jeyhun Aghazada