South Korea Urges Gulf States to Secure Energy Supplies and Safety in Strait of Hormuz

The South Korean government has requested that Gulf states ensure stable energy supplies. This request also includes guarantees for the safety of ships and crews from South Korea around the Strait of Hormuz amid increasing shipping disruptions due to the Iran conflict. South Korea’s Finance Minister, Koo Yun-cheol, held a meeting with ambassadors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries on Friday (4/4/2026). In the meeting, Koo asked the Gulf states to guarantee the smooth supply of oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), naphtha, urea, and other vital resources. Quoted from Reuters on Sunday (5/4/2026), the GCC ambassadors stated that South Korea is a “top priority” partner and committed to maintaining close communication with Seoul to ensure energy supply stability. Like other Asian countries, South Korea is heavily dependent on energy imports, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. Before the conflict broke out, this route was used by about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply. However, since the conflict involving Iran and the escalation of attacks by the United States and Israel on 28 February 2026, Iran is said to have restricted access to that route. The six GCC member countries include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. Ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was reported to remain under pressure throughout March 2026. Data from MarineTraffic and Kpler recorded only 220 ships passing through the strategic route. Liquid tanker ships dominated with 111 crossings or 51 percent of the total monthly traffic. Meanwhile, dry bulk cargo ships recorded 82 crossings or 37 percent, and LPG carriers reached 27 crossings or 12 percent. No LNG carriers passed during that period. In contrast, inbound flows to the Gulf were only 71 crossings or 32 percent, reflecting an imbalance in flows in one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. The decline in traffic has occurred since the conflict involving Iran on 28 February 2026. Ship volumes are still far below pre-war normal conditions. Iran still controls the Strait of Hormuz, with ships from countries considered “friendly” still permitted to pass. Nevertheless, ship traffic is beginning to recover gradually, though it has not yet returned to pre-conflict levels.