South Korea has secured the import of 273 million barrels of crude oil from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kazakhstan, according to the country’s presidential chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik. He stated that based on last year’s consumption levels, this volume would allow the economy to operate normally for more than three months without additional emergency measures. Kang also confirmed that South Korea has secured 2.1 million tons of naphtha during the same period.

The move comes as South Korea faces severe challenges due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the Israel–United States alliance. Approximately 70 percent of South Korea’s imported crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route now subject to strict navigation restrictions imposed by both Tehran and Washington. These restrictions have prompted Seoul to diversify its energy supply sources.

The new import agreements are expected to help stabilize South Korea’s energy security and reduce immediate risks linked to disruptions in Middle Eastern oil shipments.