South Korea's government urged the public on Monday not to worry about shortages of standard plastic garbage bags amid the Middle East conflict disrupting naphtha supplies. Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan stated in a Facebook post that all necessary measures have been taken. Hoarding has emerged recently due to a sharp rise in polyethylene prices, a key material for the bags.
Prolonged Middle East tensions have sparked hoarding of standard plastic garbage bags in South Korea, as disruptions in global crude oil and naphtha supplies raise fears of shortages for plastic products, industry sources said. U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran have hit domestic naphtha availability, a key petrochemical feedstock. E-Mart reported a 287 percent year-on-year sales surge from March 22 to Sunday, Lotte Mart a 140 percent rise from March 23 to Saturday, and GS25 a 325 percent jump.
Major retailers have imposed per-person purchase limits to curb panic buying and manage stocks. Homeplus, for instance, restricts buyers to one bundle. Minister Kim Sung-hwan said, "If approved waste bags are in short supply, the government will allow regular plastic bags," adding there will be no trash pile-up at homes.
The minister firmly stated no price hikes for standard bags, noting, "Bag prices are determined by local government ordinances so factories cannot arbitrarily raise them." A climate ministry survey found 54 percent of 228 local governments hold a six-month supply, while recycling firms have enough recycled polyethylene for 1.83 billion bags.
Under South Korea's volume-based waste system, only bags approved by public institutions can dispose of household waste. Kim observed purchase limits during weekend visits to convenience stores and supermarkets.
