As tensions in the Middle East deepen and oil prices surge, South Korea is taking bold steps to safeguard its energy security. On March 24, 2026, Kim Seong-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced a sweeping set of measures—headlined by the reinstatement of a mandatory vehicle 5-day rotation system for public sector vehicles starting March 25. The move, which restricts vehicle use based on license plate numbers, marks the first time since 2011 that such a system has been enforced in the public sector. If the crisis escalates, the private sector may soon follow suit, a development not seen since the Gulf War in 1991, according to reporting from JoongAng Ilbo and Kyunghyang Shinmun.
The government’s decision comes as the resource security crisis alert was raised to ‘caution’ on March 18, following an earlier ‘interest’ alert on March 5. The alert system consists of four levels: ‘interest,’ ‘caution,’ ‘warning,’ and ‘serious.’ With the current ‘caution’ status, the public sector faces mandatory compliance, while private citizens are encouraged—but not yet required—to participate. However, if the alert is escalated to ‘warning,’ the government is prepared to make private sector participation compulsory, potentially affecting some 23.7 million vehicles nationwide.
Minister Kim Seong-hwan, speaking at a government briefing in Seoul, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. “Because the energy supply crisis caused by the situation in the Middle East is grave, government efforts alone have their limits,” he said. “I ask for the active participation of the public, even if it brings some inconvenience, to strengthen our energy security and overcome this crisis.” (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
The vehicle 5-day rotation system, commonly referred to as the ‘5-bu-je,’ is straightforward: vehicles are restricted from use one weekday each week, determined by the last digit of their license plate. Exemptions apply for electric and hydrogen vehicles, vehicles used by disabled persons, pregnant women, and those transporting infants. As of now, only vehicles owned by public employees are included; family-owned vehicles are excluded, though this is under review to prevent loopholes. The government estimates that about 1.5 million public sector vehicles will be affected, with the measure expected to save roughly 3,000 barrels of oil daily.
Enforcement is set to be much stricter than in previous years. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will carry out compliance checks across more than 20,000 public institutions, including schools. For a first offense, violators will receive a warning; repeated violations—up to four times—may result in disciplinary actions or even dismissal, depending on the institution. “Because institutions may be lenient with their own employees, the ministry will take responsibility for oversight,” Kim Seong-hwan explained (News1).
Private sector participation is, for now, voluntary. But the government is watching the situation closely. If the resource security alert is raised to ‘warning,’ private vehicles will also be subject to the rotation system. President Lee Jae-myung has already proposed restricting access to public parking lots for vehicles that should be off the road on their designated days as an intermediate step before full enforcement. “It might be worth considering some restrictions in public parking lots as a preliminary measure,” President Lee suggested at a cabinet meeting (JoongAng Ilbo).
Alongside the vehicle restrictions, the government is encouraging both public institutions and large companies to temporarily adjust commuting hours in an effort to reduce traffic congestion. Telecommuting, while not yet mandated, is under consideration, especially if the crisis intensifies. “We haven’t yet included telecommuting in today’s measures, but it’s a good suggestion and we’ll actively review it with relevant agencies,” Kim Seong-hwan said (News1).
For companies that are among the top 50 oil consumers, the government is requesting the establishment of energy-saving plans. If these companies meet their reduction targets, they’ll be given priority access to government-backed loans for energy-saving facilities. According to the ministry, these top 50 firms account for over 91% of energy consumption among large industrial sites.
The government’s approach doesn’t stop at vehicles. To further cut down on energy consumption, the administration is adjusting the nation’s power generation mix. Five nuclear reactors currently under maintenance are slated to be brought back online by May 2026, raising the nuclear utilization rate from 73% to over 80%. On days when air pollution is low, restrictions on coal-fired power plants will be eased, and the closure of three aging coal plants—previously set for June—may be postponed if necessary. “There’s no major problem in extending the operation of the three coal-fired power plants scheduled for closure this year if the energy crisis continues,” Kim Seong-hwan told reporters (JoongAng Ilbo).
These measures are expected to yield significant savings. The government estimates that daily consumption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for power generation—currently about 69,000 tons—could be cut by up to 20%, or approximately 14,000 tons per day. In the longer term, the administration is accelerating the deployment of renewable energy, aiming to add more than 7 gigawatts of renewables and 1.3 gigawatts of energy storage systems this year, all in a bid to reduce reliance on imported LNG.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is also promoting a set of 12 energy-saving actions for the public, including participating in the vehicle rotation system, using public transportation, maintaining appropriate indoor temperatures, and charging electric vehicles and mobile phones during daytime hours. President Lee Jae-myung has called for everyone to do their part: “Public institutions must set an example with the vehicle rotation system, and I urge citizens to join the energy-saving movement by using public transportation and practicing energy conservation in daily life.” (JoongAng Ilbo)
Of course, not everyone is on board without reservations. Some critics have pointed out inconsistencies in the policy, such as exempting electric vehicles—which, despite their green reputation, require significant energy to charge—from the restrictions. Others question the logic of restricting vehicle use while simultaneously maintaining a cap on fuel prices, suggesting that price-based policies might be more effective in curbing demand.
Still, the government insists these measures are necessary given the volatility in global energy markets and the potential for further disruptions. As the Middle East crisis shows no sign of abating, South Korea’s strategy is clear: reduce demand, diversify supply, and encourage the public to rally behind a national effort to weather the storm. Whether these steps will be enough to stave off deeper energy shortages remains to be seen, but for now, the country is bracing for a new era of energy discipline—one license plate at a time.
With the stakes rising and every kilowatt counting, South Korea’s energy future will depend not just on government policy, but on the willingness of its people to adapt and endure together.