South Korea's Ministry of Environment announced on Wednesday that, due to recent fluctuations in international energy prices caused by the Middle East crisis, the government will formulate preventive measures to maintain stability in electricity costs.

Minister Kim Sung-hwan shared this plan during a meeting with state-run utility companies, including Korea Electric Power Corporation and Korea Gas Corporation. The meeting was convened to discuss strategies for addressing the surge in energy prices.

Kim stated that although recent increases in international oil and natural gas prices have had a limited impact on South Korea's electricity rates so far, the country could face cost pressures in the future if supply chain disruptions worsen.

Officials indicated that government actions would include promptly restarting nuclear power plants currently undergoing maintenance, as well as temporarily idled coal-fired power plants that were shut down due to seasonal fine dust pollution.

The ministry also emphasized its commitment to advancing the renewable energy market. Since renewable energy is less affected by global price swings, it is considered a fundamental solution for reducing volatility in South Korea’s energy system.