South Korea Tightens Public Driving Rules on Energy Alert

South Korea is set to implement stricter driving restrictions for public sector employees as the nation elevates its energy security alert level in response to ongoing instability in the Middle East. The energy ministry announced on Wednesday that the crisis alert will be upgraded to a warning status starting Thursday, reflecting increased uncertainty over global energy supplies. This move follows lower-level caution and concern alerts issued throughout March. Under the new measures, an odd-even vehicle rotation rule will take effect on April 8, impacting approximately 11,000 public institutions. This stricter mandate replaces a previous voluntary system for public vehicles. Furthermore, a five-day rotation policy will be enforced at 30,000 publicly managed parking lots. While the government has not yet mandated participation for the private sector, officials are encouraging public workers to utilize flexible commuting hours and video conferencing to reduce fuel consumption. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol indicated that the government could expand these driving curbs to the general public if global energy prices, specifically for Brent Crude Oil or West Texas Oil, climb to between $120 and $130 per barrel. Such an escalation would mark the first time the country has seen nationwide driving restrictions since the 1991 Gulf War.