Seoul Moves to Curb Stockpiling of Key Supplies as Mideast Tensions Rise

2026-04-15 07:17:31

(MENAFN) South Korea has ordered strict action against the hoarding of essential goods, including medical syringes and petrochemical materials, amid growing supply concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to reports.

The directive was issued on Wednesday during an emergency economic meeting led by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, part of a series of government bodies established to coordinate responses to the war involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Authorities have reportedly banned the stockpiling of items such as syringes and needles, as well as major petrochemical feedstocks including ethylene, propylene, and butadiene, over fears of potential shortages in the domestic market.

“I ask relevant ministries to strictly crack down on hoarding behavior that disrupts the market order,” the prime minister said.

Kim also urged swift implementation of a 26.2 trillion-won ($17.7 billion) supplementary budget recently approved by the National Assembly, which includes financial support measures for the bottom 70% of income earners.

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