Ruling party, gov't agree to provide energy vouchers to vulnerable households amid Middle East crisis

Climate Minister Kim Sung-hwan, left, delivers his opening remarks during a meeting between ruling party lawmaker and government officials at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and government officials on Thursday agreed to provide energy vouchers to help vulnerable groups cope with rising prices amid an intensifying war in the Middle East.

During a meeting of DPK lawmakers and energy ministry officials at the National Assembly, the ruling party urged the government to ensure that energy costs do not place additional strain on low-income households, Rep. Kim Ju-young told reporters.

"The DPK asked that the government maintain a thorough emergency response posture to prevent public inconvenience caused by disruptions in the supply of electricity, while also calling for support in public welfare so that the rising energy costs do not further burden vulnerable households," he said.

The government said it would launch an emergency response team, and work with state-run energy companies and private power generators to maintain a stable supply.