S. Korea Elevates Energy Alert as Oil Supply Disruptions Worsen

(MENAFN) South Korea has raised its national energy security alert to the second-highest level, citing emerging disruptions in oil supplies, according to government statements. The measure took effect at midnight, about a month after the Middle East conflict began.

Officials said the move reflects growing instability in domestic fuel availability and continued volatility in global oil prices. Imports of crude passing through the Strait of Hormuz have been halted for more than ten days following the waterway’s effective closure on March 1. The last shipment from the route reached South Korea on March 20.

In 2024, the country relied on the Middle East for roughly 55% of its energy imports, valued at about $144 billion, highlighting its exposure to regional instability.

The escalation in tensions began after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran in late February, leading to significant casualties, according to official figures. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military facilities, contributing to wider disruptions in markets and air travel.

The conflict has also resulted in US military casualties, with multiple service members killed and others injured. Meanwhile, Iran has effectively taken control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for energy shipments to Asia, allowing passage only for vessels from what it calls “friendly countries.”

South Korea’s foreign minister recently called on Tehran to guarantee safe navigation through the strait. In response, Iran’s ambassador in Seoul indicated that South Korean ships may pass, but only after prior coordination with Iranian authorities.

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