Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik announced that South Korea has secured 273 million barrels of crude oil and 2.1 million tons of naphtha by year-end from four nations: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kazakhstan. The volumes equate to more than three months of oil and one month of naphtha based on last year's consumption. The supplies will be shipped via alternative routes avoiding the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.
Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik told reporters in Seoul on April 15, upon returning from an eight-day trip to Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kazakhstan. "The 273 million barrels of crude oil, based on last year's consumption levels, are sufficient to sustain the economy for more than three months under normal operating conditions without the need for additional emergency measures," Kang said. The 2.1 million tons of naphtha equals about one month's supply for petrochemical and other industries.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since the U.S. war against Iran began in late February, threatening South Korea's heavy reliance on Middle East energy imports. "The crude oil and naphtha will be shipped through alternative routes not affected by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz," Kang said, hoping the deals stabilize domestic supplies.
Breakdown by country: Saudi Arabia committed to 200 million barrels, including 50 million via a Red Sea port in April-May, and up to 500,000 tons of naphtha. Oman secured about 5 million barrels of crude—exceeding last year's 4.5 million—and up to 1.5 million tons of naphtha. Kazakhstan provided 18 million barrels via routes bypassing the strait. Qatar pledged priority implementation of LNG contracts despite force majeure from Iranian missile attacks.
Kang delivered President Lee's personal letters expressing concern over the Middle East war, Korean solidarity, and calls for collective efforts to stabilize global energy chains. Discussions also covered crude storage facilities outside the strait. In Oman, support was sought for 26 stranded South Korea-related vessels.
