UAE Prioritizes Crude Oil Supply to South Korea Amid Global Tensions
Synopsis
In a significant commitment, the UAE has prioritized crude oil supplies for South Korea, securing a total of 24 million barrels amidst rising global energy concerns due to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.
Key Takeaways
The UAE has pledged a total of 24 million barrels of crude oil to South Korea.
South Korea is prioritized as the 'No.
1' recipient of UAE's oil supply.
Growing global energy market concerns are linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.
Significant diplomatic efforts are being made for the evacuation of South Korean nationals.
Effective cooperation between South Korea and Japan has been highlighted during this crisis.
Seoul, March 18 (NationPress) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially committed to prioritizing crude oil supplies for South Korea, as stated by President Lee Jae Myung's top aide on Wednesday. A total of 24 million barrels of crude oil have been secured from the Gulf nation.
Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, announced this during a briefing after his recent trip to the UAE, amidst growing concerns regarding global energy markets due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has now entered its third week, according to reports from the Yonhap news agency.
"The UAE has assured us that no other country will be prioritized over South Korea for crude oil, reaffirming that we hold the status of being their 'No. 1 priority' in terms of oil supply," Kang stated.
With this latest commitment, South Korea will receive a total of 24 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE, which includes a previously agreed amount of 6 million barrels, as per Kang's remarks.
He also noted that approximately 3,000 out of 3,500 South Korean citizens temporarily residing in the UAE have returned home safely.
In parallel, President Lee Jae Myung has expressed his gratitude to leaders in Japan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia for their assistance in evacuating South Korean nationals from the Middle East, as reported by Cheong Wa Dae on Wednesday, given the destabilizing effects of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.
In a letter to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi the day before, Lee thanked Japan for its support in evacuating 16 South Koreans along with family members of other nationalities to Tokyo on Japanese-chartered flights last Wednesday and Friday.
Lee also commended the effective bilateral coordination between both nations, particularly as Japanese nationals were transported from Saudi Arabia to South Korea on a South Korean military aircraft, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
Point of View
Particularly in light of current global tensions. The UAE's commitment to prioritize South Korea's oil supply underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation during crises.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total amount of crude oil committed by the UAE to South Korea?
The UAE has committed to supplying a total of 24 million barrels of crude oil to South Korea.
Why is the UAE prioritizing South Korea for crude oil supply?
The UAE has assured that South Korea is its 'No. 1 priority' for crude oil supply amidst global energy market concerns.
How many South Koreans have returned from the UAE?
Approximately 3,000 out of 3,500 South Korean nationals staying short-term in the UAE have safely returned home.
What actions has President Lee Jae Myung taken regarding the situation?
President Lee has sent letters to leaders of several countries to express gratitude for their cooperation in evacuating South Korean nationals from the Middle East.
How is the U.S.-Israel conflict affecting global energy markets?
The ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has raised concerns over global energy supply and stability, prompting nations to secure their oil resources.
