South Korea Races to Secure Oil Supplies Outside Hormuz Route

South Korea is taking urgent steps to diversify its crude oil sourcing by exploring supply routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising geopolitical risks. As part of this effort, a senior government official is being dispatched to Oman, Kazakhstan, and Saudi Arabia to engage with authorities, energy firms, and shipping stakeholders.

The country has already secured around 110 million barrels of crude for April and May. However, officials stress that further action is needed, as a significant portion of South Korea’s energy imports—about 61% of crude oil and 54% of naphtha—relies on shipments passing through the Hormuz Strait.

Oman offers a strategic advantage due to its location outside the strait, while Saudi Arabia has been redirecting exports via its western routes through the Red Sea. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s oil flows primarily move through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium to Russia’s Black Sea port, though this route has recently faced security concerns.

Being heavily dependent on energy imports, South Korea is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in key shipping lanes. Recent measures reflect this concern—fuel price caps were introduced for the first time in decades to stabilize domestic markets, and restrictions on vehicle usage have also been implemented to manage potential shortages.

Authorities have indicated that stricter controls could follow if global oil prices surge further, highlighting the growing pressure on the country to secure stable and diversified energy supplies.

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