SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Civil servants nationwide are required to alternate the use of their vehicles depending on the last digit of their license plates as part of measures to cope with energy shortages amid supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
At a cabinet meeting with key aides at Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday, President Lee Jae Myung said, "Public institutions should lead by example, and I ask civil servants to join an energy-saving campaign by reducing electricity use in their daily lives."
Starting Wednesday, workers at public institutions will be required to leave their cars at home at least one day a week and use public transportation instead. Drivers of eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen cars, are exempt, and private-sector workers are also encouraged to participate.
Such mandatory measures were last implemented in 2011, when oil prices exceeded US$100 per barrel. This would also be the first time since the 1991 Gulf War that they have been extended to the private sector.
Citing increasing uncertainty over crude oil and natural gas supplies amid the prolonged conflict that began with U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran late last month, Lee said, "To respond to this serious crisis, the government should proactively move into an emergency mode."
"Because petrochemical products are used everywhere, it is hard to predict when, where and what problems may arise," Lee said, urging aides to "thoroughly prepare and implement contingency plans with the worst-case scenario in mind."
Referring to suspected price gouging among refiners, Lee warned that inflating prices to take advantage of rising oil prices must be "rooted out and strictly punished."
He also urged officials to ensure a 25 trillion-won ($16.7 billion) supplementary budget is swiftly implemented and properly planned so the public can feel its impact. Its parliamentary approval is scheduled for early next month.
At a cabinet meeting with key aides at Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday, President Lee Jae Myung said, "Public institutions should lead by example, and I ask civil servants to join an energy-saving campaign by reducing electricity use in their daily lives."
Starting Wednesday, workers at public institutions will be required to leave their cars at home at least one day a week and use public transportation instead. Drivers of eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen cars, are exempt, and private-sector workers are also encouraged to participate.
Such mandatory measures were last implemented in 2011, when oil prices exceeded US$100 per barrel. This would also be the first time since the 1991 Gulf War that they have been extended to the private sector.
Citing increasing uncertainty over crude oil and natural gas supplies amid the prolonged conflict that began with U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran late last month, Lee said, "To respond to this serious crisis, the government should proactively move into an emergency mode."
"Because petrochemical products are used everywhere, it is hard to predict when, where and what problems may arise," Lee said, urging aides to "thoroughly prepare and implement contingency plans with the worst-case scenario in mind."
Referring to suspected price gouging among refiners, Lee warned that inflating prices to take advantage of rising oil prices must be "rooted out and strictly punished."
He also urged officials to ensure a 25 trillion-won ($16.7 billion) supplementary budget is swiftly implemented and properly planned so the public can feel its impact. Its parliamentary approval is scheduled for early next month.
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