Could South Korea’s Political Conflict Alter Oil Supplies to Asia-Oceania?

Despite a major political crisis, South Korean refineries ensure the continuity of oil exports to Asia-Oceania, while union strikes could temporarily disrupt local distribution.

Partagez:

South Korea, facing a significant political crisis, continues to uphold its international commitments regarding oil exports. While some disruptions are possible in domestic logistics, the country’s private refineries maintain stable flows to their Asian and Oceanian customers.

A Stable Oil Market Despite Political Tensions

The martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3 raised concerns over potential impacts on infrastructure and industrial operations. However, this measure was annulled by Parliament just hours after its announcement. Private refineries, the main producers of fuel in South Korea, quickly reassured their foreign clients: political tensions do not affect production or exports of refined products.

According to Korea National Oil Corp., South Korea exported 346.05 million barrels of refined petroleum products between January and October 2024, marking a 7.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. As Asia’s largest net exporter of petroleum products, South Korea plays a critical role in supplying gasoline, diesel, and kerosene to the region.

Exports Backed by a Robust Private Sector

South Korean refineries, including SK Energy, GS Caltex, S-Oil, and Hyundai Oilbank, operate within the private sector and are largely independent of political influences. These companies, which process an average of 3.4 million barrels of crude oil per day, export approximately 40% of their production to international markets.

Refinery officials have emphasized the resilience of their economic model. “We have strong agreements with our crude suppliers and foreign customers. This stability is unaffected by domestic political events,” said a senior executive at one refinery.

Union Strikes and Impact on Local Distribution

While international exports remain stable, the domestic market could face logistical disruptions. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has announced an indefinite strike to demand the resignation of President Yoon. Although most strikers are from the public transportation sector, significant participation by truck drivers could slow fuel distribution domestically.

In 2024, domestic consumption of refined petroleum products in South Korea reached 251.4 million barrels over the first ten months. If strikes escalate, delays in gasoline and diesel deliveries could occur in some areas. However, experts estimate that the overall impact on the domestic market would remain limited.

Reassurance for International Trade Partners

South Korean refineries have reiterated their commitment to international partners, highlighting that their operations remain uninterrupted. “Foreign markets know that we honor our commitments regardless of circumstances,” stated an international sales executive.

Asian and Oceanian stakeholders can therefore continue relying on South Korea as a key supplier, despite the tense political environment.

French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
The European Commission unveils an ambitious plan to modernize electricity grids and introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen the continent's industrial and energy autonomy.
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.
Madagascar plans the imminent opening of a 105 MW thermal power plant to swiftly stabilise its electricity grid, severely affected in major urban areas, while simultaneously developing renewable energy projects.
India's Central Electricity Regulatory Commission proposes a new financial instrument enabling industrial companies to meet renewable energy targets through virtual contracts, without physical electricity delivery, thus facilitating compliance management.
Minister Marc Ferracci confirms the imminent publication of the energy programming decree, without waiting for the conclusion of parliamentary debates, including a substantial increase in Energy Efficiency Certificates.
At a conference held on June 11, Brussels reaffirmed its goal to reduce energy costs for households and businesses by relying on targeted investments and greater consumer involvement.
The European Commission held a high-level dialogue to identify administrative obstacles delaying renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects across the European Union.
Despite increased generation capacity and lower tariffs, Liberia continues to rely on electricity imports to meet growing demand, particularly during the dry season.
South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, is reviewing the national energy policy, aiming to rebalance nuclear regulations without immediately shutting down reactors currently in operation.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission released its 2024 annual report, highlighting sustained activity on grid infrastructure, pricing, and evolving European regulatory frameworks.
The United States is easing proposed penalties for foreign LNG tankers and vehicle carriers, sharply reducing initial costs for international operators while maintaining strategic support objectives for the American merchant marine.
While capital is flowing into clean technologies globally, Africa remains marginalised, receiving only a fraction of the expected flows, according to the International Energy Agency.
The Mexican government aims to mobilise up to $9bn in private investment by 2030, but the lack of a clear commercial framework raises doubts within the industry.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is withdrawing strict fuel economy standards adopted under Biden, citing overreach in legal authority regarding the integration of electric vehicles into regulatory calculations for automakers.