"Gas Stations Running Dry... Over 20 Out of Fuel"

Cargo Solidarity Strike on 8th Day... Gasoline Stock for 8 Days

On the 30th of last month, a notice warning of possible supply disruptions due to the Cargo Solidarity strike was posted on the gas station pump at the Meeting Plaza rest area on the Gyeongbu Expressway. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] The total strike by the Cargo Solidarity of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union (Cargo Solidarity) has entered its eighth day, causing fuel stocks at some gas stations in the Seoul metropolitan area to run out. Citizens expressed their anxiety by sharing information about gas stations that have run out of gasoline through internet cafes and social networking services (SNS). The government plans to take measures to prevent logistics disruptions caused by the strike from spreading to the private sector at large.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 1st, as of the afternoon of the previous day, a total of 26 gas stations had run out of major products such as gasoline and diesel. By region, 13 were in Seoul, 6 in Gyeonggi, 4 in Incheon, and 3 in Chungnam, concentrated in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area. Nationwide, gas station stocks are estimated to be about 8 days' worth of gasoline and 10 days' worth of diesel. If the strike continues for more than 10 days, there is concern that fuel at gas stations nationwide could run out.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to mobilize all countermeasures to minimize damage to the private industry caused by the Cargo Solidarity strike. Around 4 p.m. that day, information on gas stations that have run out of fuel will be provided through 'Opinet,' and gas stations without stock will be excluded from map services such as portal maps and T-map. In addition, the ministry will monitor the shipment and receipt status at key bases such as refineries and storage facilities, and if transportation disruptions are expected, an emergency transport system using vehicles not affiliated with Cargo Solidarity will be activated.

Posts expressing concerns about gasoline shortages appeared on online cafes and social networking services (SNS). / Photo by Naver Cafe capture

As gas stations running out of gasoline continue to appear mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area, posts sharing fuel stock information at gas stations are being posted on internet cafes and SNS. One netizen wrote on an internet cafe, "When I went to the gas station in the morning, regular gasoline was all gone, so they were filling up premium gasoline," adding, "I wonder if premium gasoline will run out too."

There was also advice to prepare in advance before the fuel runs out. One netizen said, "If gasoline runs out, diesel will be next," and "The strike seems to be lasting long, so everyone should fill up in advance." Others expressed frustration, saying, "I was so anxious that I stored fuel in an 18ℓ container," and "I don't know what people running small businesses are supposed to do."