Cheong Wa Dae: "Naphtha export controls planned... considering additional measures" in preparation for prolonged Middle East instability

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae stated on the 19th that, in preparation for the possibility that instability in the Middle East could be prolonged, it will follow its naphtha export control measures with a review of additional response steps.
Cheong Wa Dae said, "The share of imports from Qatar is not high—around 14% in 2026—and we have alternative sources of supply, so there are currently no problems with gas supply," adding, "However, as uncertainty has increased, we plan to closely monitor supply and prices and respond accordingly."
The government has nonetheless already taken separate action to address instability in naphtha supply stemming from the situation in the Middle East. Cheong Wa Dae explained, "In response to naphtha supply concerns related to developments in the Middle East, the government is communicating closely with industry and is supporting the introduction of alternative imports to naphtha."
In particular, it noted that, as previously announced, it plans to implement export control measures to minimize overseas outflows of naphtha. It added, "We are also reviewing the possibility of additional measures that may be needed to stabilize industrial supply chains."
west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter