Energy crisis: South Korea tightens vehicle rotation on weekdays

The South Korean government will tighten vehicle rotation on weekdays in the public sector to anticipate disruptions in oil supplies due to tensions in the Middle East. The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment of South Korea stated on Tuesday (24/3) that the policy will be implemented starting Wednesday with increased oversight of public sector compliance. The restriction system is based on the last digit of the vehicle licence plate, divided into five groups, with each group prohibited from operating on specific weekdays. The system has actually been in place but was previously enforced loosely. Electric and hydrogen vehicles are exempt from these restrictions. The ministry will distribute implementation guidelines to the public sector and encourage the application of sanctions for institutions that do not comply with the rules. The South Korean government also recommends that the private sector voluntarily follow the programme. According to the ministry, the policy was taken after the government raised the alert status to Level 2 in the four-level system last week. The government has also asked 50 companies with the largest oil consumption to prepare energy-saving plans. Incentives will be given to companies that successfully reduce energy consumption. In addition, public institutions and large companies are asked to adjust working hours to reduce traffic loads and energy consumption. The government will also relax restrictions on coal-fired power plants when fine dust levels are low. Furthermore, South Korea is encouraging the reactivation of five nuclear reactors currently under maintenance. These steps aim to reduce consumption of liquefied natural gas affected by the war in the Middle East.