South Korea is considering expanding its vehicle rotation system beyond the public sector if global oil prices continue to rise, as the government prepares stricter energy-saving measures amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said authorities may take stronger action if oil prices reach critical levels. Officials indicated that prices between $120 and $130 per barrel could trigger a higher national resource crisis alert, shifting the country from its current Level 2 status to Level 3.
The government raised the alert level last week due to concerns about possible disruptions to crude oil supply.
Güney Kore, petrol arzı endişeleri nedeniyle kamu araçlarına beş gün rotasyon uygulaması getirdi ⤵️
▪️ Zorunlu sistem kapsamında kamu araçları plaka numaralarının son hanesine göre beş gruba ayrıldı
▪️ Sürücüler, plaka numaralarına bağlı olarak haftanın belirli bir gününde… pic.twitter.com/H2ZQP47Iem
— Anadolu Ajansı (@anadoluajansi) March 25, 2026At present, South Korea enforces a mandatory five-day vehicle rotation policy for public-sector employees. The system restricts car use by license plate, requiring vehicles to stay off the road for one designated day each week. Authorities have also encouraged voluntary participation from private citizens.
If conditions worsen, the government plans to extend the vehicle rotation system to the private sector. Officials stressed that broad public cooperation will be essential to effectively manage fuel consumption. The potential expansion reflects growing concern over fuel shortages and rising energy costs.
Alongside energy-saving policies, the government is preparing a supplementary budget worth 25 trillion won (about $16.6 billion).
The proposed package aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises and help vulnerable households cope with higher energy prices. Lawmakers are expected to review the bill in the National Assembly later this week.
The policy discussions come as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global oil markets. South Korea, which relies heavily on imported energy, remains highly sensitive to price fluctuations.
