5-day driving rotation system to get stricter in public sector amid energy crisis

A signboard at Gwangju City Hall, Tuesday, shows the “five-day driving rotation” system outline, as Korea formalizes restrictions on when public sector employees can use their vehicles. The system will go into force Wednesday amid prolonged Middle East tensions and a tightening global energy supply. Yonhap

Korea will strengthen the restriction on which days workers in the public sector can drive their vehicles starting Wednesday, as the prolonged Middle East conflict squeezes global energy supplies.

For the private sector, the government decided to leave the fuel-saving measure as a voluntary program rather than forcing it.

Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Kim Sung-whan announced the measure during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul Tuesday.

Under the rule, drivers of gas-powered vehicles in the public sector must refrain from driving one day each week, with the day determined by the last digit of their license plate.

More than 20,000 institutions are included, such as central government ministries and their affiliated organizations, local governments, provincial and municipal education offices, national universities and public elementary, middle and high schools.

The system had already been in place in the public sector, but enforcement was largely symbolic and violations carried light penalties such as workplace parking bans. Under the expanded framework, however, public sector violators will face tougher penalties following warnings. Exceptions apply to pregnant individuals, parents with infants and people with disabilities. Electric and hydrogen vehicles are also exempt from the rule.

The environment ministry estimates the reinforced measure will affect 1.5 million vehicles and save roughly 3,000 barrels of petroleum — equivalent to 476,700 liters — per day. With the gasoline price averaging 1,818.92 won per liter as of 6 p.m. Tuesday, that amounts to approximately 867 million won ($579,210) in daily savings.

The government had initially considered applying the mandatory program to the private sector as well. But it decided against that out of concern that the measure may seriously affect the livelihood of cargo truck drivers, delivery service providers and other self-employed people whose jobs are heavily reliant on driving.

"We are encouraging the private sector to participate voluntarily, but if the level of resource security is elevated from warning to alert, we may consider making it mandatory," Kim said.

President Lee Jae Myung presides over a weekly Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, Tuesday. Yonhap

The program is in line with President Lee Jae Myung’s call for a “government-wide preemptive emergency response system” to address insecurity in the supply of crude oil, natural gas and other energy resources as the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran squeezes supplies.

In particular, the president warned against profiteering on oil prices during times of crisis, while reiterating the need for a supplementary budget to safeguard public livelihoods.

“To address the serious potential crises that could affect livelihoods, the economy and industry, the government must activate a preemptive emergency response system,” he said at the Cabinet meeting.

Citing the International Energy Agency, Lee said the Iran crisis represents the worst energy security threat in history and could shock the global economy.

“From delivery containers to medical tools, there is hardly any part of daily life that does not rely on petrochemical products. It is difficult to predict when, where or what problems might arise,” Lee said. “Each ministry must comprehensively and carefully review items at risk of supply shortages, identify alternative sources in detail and thoroughly establish contingency plans assuming the worst-case scenario.”

The president renewed his call for a supplementary budget to counter the economic fallout from the Iran conflict, urging swift action.

“As the impact of the Middle East war continues to grow, the faster the supplementary wartime budget is drafted and executed, the greater its effectiveness will be,” Lee said.

He also said the budget should be “carefully designed around the principle of direct impact on citizens,” with key goals including easing the burden of high fuel prices, stabilizing livelihoods, minimizing fallout on industry, securing supply chains and revitalizing provincial economies.