South Korean President Urges Public to Save ‘Even a Drop of Oil’ Amid Energy Strain

South Korea is vulnerable to energy supply disruptions from the Middle East, as it is heavily reliant on Gulf oil.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departs for China at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, on Jan. 4, 2026. Lee Jin-man/ AP Photo

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on April 2 urged citizens to save “even a drop of oil” amid the Iran conflict, which is driving a sharp energy shock.

“When we save even a drop of oil, avoid wasting even a single plastic bag, and overcome this together, we will be able to exit the tunnel of crisis safely and swiftly,” Lee said in remarks published by Korean broadcaster YTN on Thursday.