After a meeting at the government complex in Seoul on Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance and Economy said they would expire at the end of this month, as supplies have remained stable following disruptions caused by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East earlier this year.
The ministry said the decision was based on recent supply and price trends, along with a review of domestic production and import conditions. It added that it had found no signs of hoarding or other activities that could disrupt the market.
The ban on diesel exhaust fluid and urea was first implemented on March 27, followed by similar restrictions on syringes and needles on April 14, to prevent excessive stockpiling and ensure the products remained available amid uncertainty over global supply chains.
Under these measures, importers, manufacturers and sellers of diesel exhaust fluid and urea were prohibited from holding stocks exceeding twice their average monthly sales in the previous year for seven days or more. For syringes and needles, manufacturers and sellers faced a similar five-day limit.
Diesel exhaust fluid is used to reduce harmful emissions from diesel vehicles, while urea is a key ingredient in agricultural fertilizers.
The ministry said supplies of diesel exhaust fluid and urea remained stable, with public stockpiles and private inventories sufficient to cover about four to five months of demand. Supplies of medical syringes and needles have also improved, with domestic manufacturers' inventories rising steadily since June.
Although the bans are being lifted, the government will continue to monitor inventories and prices in cooperation with relevant ministries.
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