Prime Minister Han Seong-sook on Wednesday instructed officials to crack down on market-disturbing acts such as hoarding amid supply concerns tied to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook gave the instruction at an emergency economic meeting with related ministers at Government Complex Seoul. She noted that unrest in the Middle East shows signs of spreading and growing more complex.
South Korea has dealt wisely with the crisis as the economy grew 3.8 percent in the first half from last year, she said. The government should ensure crisis response measures are consistently implemented.
"First of all we need to make sure that market-disturbing acts such as hoarding and collusion are properly cracked down on and punished," Han said. She also asked officials to minimize damage from heat waves and ensure proper supply of agricultural and fisheries products.