South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Thursday directed economic officials to secure crude oil supplies for the coming months in advance, citing renewed tensions in the Middle East.

During an emergency economic meeting, Han noted that the country currently holds sufficient oil reserves to last until the end of October, with stockpiles exceeding 90% of the levels seen during the same period last year. However, she stressed that further efforts are needed to guarantee supplies beyond October if regional instability persists.

The Prime Minister also instructed officials to closely monitor key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as well as the supply and demand situation for critical raw materials, while working to minimize the negative impact of rising oil prices.

Han added that the government must stabilize consumer prices ahead of the upcoming Chuseok holiday and take strict action against any attempts to disrupt price stability.