Pipeline inspections amid Middle East risks...Security at oil storage terminals raised to highest level

[The Financial News] The government has begun inspecting domestic energy facilities such as oil pipelines and storage terminals to prepare for supply chain risks stemming from instability in the Middle East. It also decided to temporarily raise the security posture at oil storage terminals to a level equivalent to the highest alert.
The National Fire Agency (NFA) announced on the 20th that it will strengthen safety management and emergency readiness to ensure the stable operation of the national energy supply chain and to prevent disasters such as fires.
On the same day, Minister Yun Ho-jung visited the Korea Oil Pipeline Corporation Gyeongin Branch to check the safety management status of pipeline facilities and their emergency response system. The move comes as volatility in international oil prices and uncertainty in supply chains have increased due to recent developments in the Middle East.
Minister Yun received briefings on pipeline operations and response systems, and inspected facilities including oil storage terminals and the control room. The inspection focused on accident prevention measures such as control of external ignition sources, worksite safety, and real-time monitoring systems.
The government also decided to tighten security at oil storage terminals. It issued an emergency directive to the police to apply security and guard measures equivalent to the top-tier "Ga" level at 12 Korea Oil Pipeline Corporation storage terminals currently rated at the mid-level "Na" or below. The facilities include one "Na"-level site, two "Da"-level sites, and nine with no existing security rating.
As a result, police deployment and patrols will be strengthened. The government also plans to consider upgrading the formal security ratings of oil storage terminals going forward.
Inspections are also being expanded to cover energy facilities more broadly. Starting with pipeline facility checks on the 9th, the government has widened the scope to include refineries, strategic petroleum reserves, and gas stations. Issues identified during inspections will be corrected immediately on site, and serious legal violations will be dealt with strictly.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the NFA plan to strengthen cooperation with related agencies so that energy supplies can be maintained even in crisis situations.
“Oil pipelines are core infrastructure that supports our economy,” Minister Yun said. “We will continue to reinforce prevention-focused safety management and strengthen security measures and emergency response systems in the event of an accident, so that there is no disruption to the national energy supply.”

spring@fnnews.com Lee Bomi Reporter