"Save 5,000 Won by Filling Up 50 Liters"—Fuel Up on the Expressway

[Financial News]  If you plan to use the expressways during the Chuseok holiday, there is no need to rush to refuel before setting out. Gasoline and diesel will be sold at 100 won less per liter at 226 expressway gas stations nationwide.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), the price cuts will apply for four days, from Sept. 24 through 27. At the 226 gas stations on government-financed expressways managed by Korea Expressway Corporation, gasoline and diesel will be sold for 100 won less per liter than their Sept. 17 prices. Gas stations on privately funded expressways are excluded.
The average selling prices on Sept. 17 were 1,844 won per liter for gasoline and 1,834 won for diesel. During the discount period, they will fall to around 1,744 won and 1,734 won, respectively. Filling a sedan or sport utility vehicle (SUV) with 45 to 50 liters could save up to about 5,000 won.
Traffic is also expected to increase sharply because of the short holiday. MOLIT forecasts that a total of 30.93 million people will travel over the five days from Sept. 23 through 27. Average daily expressway traffic is expected to rise 11.8% from last year, while 6.84 million vehicles are expected to be on the roads on Chuseok, Sept. 25. The busiest period is expected to be the morning of Sept. 24 for homebound trips and the afternoon of Sept. 25 for return trips.
In the event of severe congestion, the trip from Seoul to Busan could take up to about 10 hours and 30 minutes. The government will closely manage 299 sections where congestion is expected and operate shoulder lanes on 64 sections. It also plans to increase the frequency of bus, rail, air and maritime services by 11.8% from normal levels.
The reduction in prices at expressway gas stations is intended to ease the burden of high fuel costs. Domestic gas station prices have fallen for 18 consecutive weeks, but international oil prices are rising again. Dubai crude rose by $10.1 a barrel in one week to $126.5, while international diesel prices also increased by $20.9. Changes in international oil prices are typically reflected in domestic prices two to three weeks later.
The government is implementing the measures while increasing the supply of Chuseok holiday goods and reducing transportation costs. Additional management personnel will be deployed at expressway gas stations and service areas during the holiday, and separate traffic routes will be established to prevent vehicles from crowding the gas station entrances.


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter