South Korea's top presidential aide to visit Kazakhstan, Oman, Saudi Arabia to secure oil supplies
AI summaryPresidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik will travel to Kazakhstan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to discuss securing crude oil and naphtha supplies as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The trip underscores South Korea's urgent efforts to diversify energy sources and stabilize domestic markets, with gasoline prices surpassing 2,000 won per liter and shortages appearing in daily goods.