South Korea Raises Energy Alerts Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea raised its national energy security alert for crude oil to the second-highest level, designated as alert, and its natural gas alert to caution, effective midnight on April 2, 2026. This decision follows a domestic oil inventory drop of more than 20 percent caused by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz on March 1.

Crude oil imports through the strait have been suspended for over 10 days, with the last tanker arriving on March 20. The energy crisis is a direct consequence of a joint offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, which resulted in more than 1,340 deaths, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has maintained control of the waterway, restricting transit to friendly countries.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-taek has urged Iran to ensure safe navigation through the strait. Iranian ambassador in Seoul Saeed Koozechi stated that South Korean vessels may transit the Strait of Hormuz provided they coordinate with Iranian authorities.