SEOUL, April 04 (AJP) - Retail gasoline and diesel prices in South Korea continued their upward trajectory on Saturday, driven by concerns over a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
The national average price of gasoline stood at 1,938.6 won ($1.28) per liter as of 9 a.m., up 6.8 won from the previous day, according to Opinet, the Korea National Oil Corp.'s price information portal.
The average price of diesel also rose, climbing 6.3 won to 1,929.4 won per liter.
Prices in Seoul, typically the most expensive region for fuel in the country, saw even steeper increases. The capital's average gasoline price jumped 9.2 won to 1,976.7 won per liter, while diesel rose 8.4 won to 1,952.3 won per liter.
The sustained price hike at domestic pumps reflects the recent surge in global oil prices. International markets have reacted to the growing likelihood of a protracted war in the Middle East, fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump's announced plans to intensify military actions against Iran.
Fluctuations in international oil prices typically take two to three weeks to be fully reflected in South Korea's domestic retail prices, indicating that the upward trend at local pumps is likely to continue in the near term.
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