South Korea seeks Oman's support for energy supplies amid Middle East crisis

Moscow (ANTARA) - South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, in a telephone conversation with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, requested Oman’s support in supplying energy sources, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil.

The South Korean government had previously raised its alert status for potential oil supply disruptions to level two out of four on 18 March, following the crisis in the Middle East and the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korea has also secured a priority supply of 18 million barrels of oil from the United Arab Emirates, the South Korean Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday.

In addition to energy issues, the two ministers discussed developments in the Middle East situation.

Cho Hyun expressed thanks for Oman’s role in supporting the operations of the Cheonghae naval unit deployed in the area, and requested assistance from Omani authorities if evacuation of South Korean citizens from conflict zones becomes necessary.

Tensions have escalated since 28 February, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on several targets in Iran, including in Tehran, resulting in civilian casualties.

Iran subsequently retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

The situation has triggered a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and LNG from Persian Gulf countries to global markets.

As a result, oil exports and production in the region have been disrupted, driving up global energy prices.

Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti