South Korea Aims to Import Oil from Kazakhstan: Head of Presidential Secretariat to Visit Kazakhstan to Discuss Energy Supply Security
ASTANA, Jan. 23 (TASS) — According to Yonhap News Agency, the Head of the Presidential Secretariat of South Korea, Kang Hoon-chul, will visit Kazakhstan and Persian Gulf countries to discuss measures ensuring stable crude oil and naphtha supplies, in response to potential risks arising from possible disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
This diplomatic trip is seen as a crucial step by the South Korean government to stabilize its energy supply. Currently, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been significantly affected, while U.S. President Donald Trump has recently issued strong statements regarding Iran, further escalating regional uncertainties.
As a presidential envoy, Kang Hoon-chul will hold talks with relevant government agencies, energy companies, and shipping operators during his visits to Kazakhstan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, focusing on strategies to ensure smooth delivery of crude oil, naphtha, and other critical goods—including essential medical supplies—to South Korean ports.
Kang emphasized that the primary task of the South Korean government at present is to secure stable supply of basic necessities. He pointed out that South Korea remains highly dependent on crude oil and naphtha imports from the Middle East, with naphtha serving as a key raw material for industries such as petrochemicals.
He revealed that South Korea had previously reached an agreement with the UAE to secure priority access to 24 million barrels of crude oil, with related crude oil and naphtha shipments already arriving at South Korean ports in recent weeks.
Kang also stated that, before the situation in the Middle East fully stabilizes, South Korea must place greater emphasis on establishing long-term, reliable energy supply channels.
In addition, he noted that the South Korean government is currently taking measures to ensure the safe passage of 26 South Korean-flagged vessels currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, prioritizing crew safety while also considering the positions of shipping companies.
It is reported that since late February, when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks against Iran, these vessels have continuously been affected by the ongoing situation in the strait.
In recent weeks, South Korea has accelerated efforts to diversify its energy import sources. Given that about 70% of South Korea’s crude oil imports come from Middle Eastern countries, the nation remains particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions and international oil price fluctuations.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861803637780484/
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