South Korea Urges Energy Savings Amid Mideast Conflict

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung urged citizens on Thursday to reduce electricity consumption and opt for public transportation over personal vehicles as the government ramps up efforts to avert energy shortages amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The call came during an emergency economic meeting in Seoul, where officials assessed the crisis's impact on the nation's energy-dependent economy.

The conflict, which has persisted for nearly a month, has disrupted global energy markets, particularly through restrictions on tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for South Korea's crude oil imports. The country relies on the Middle East for about 70 percent of its crude supply, heightening vulnerabilities in its energy sector. President Lee emphasized the need for national solidarity, stating, "This crisis is not confined to a single country. While there is no immediate solution to turn the situation around, it is precisely at times like this that we need solidarity, pooling our wisdom and sharing the burdens more than ever."

To mitigate rising costs, the government has implemented a temporary fuel price cap system, introduced on March 13 and adjusted...