나프타 수급 차질엔 “공급망 안정 추가조치 검토”
지난해 12월28일 청와대에서 경호처 관계자들이 근무를 서고 있다. 문재원 기자
South Korea is assessing potential additional measures to stabilize supply chains as concerns grow over disruptions to naphtha supplies amid ongoing instability in the Middle East. The move comes as Qatar signaled it may declare force majeure on LNG deliveries to several countries, including South Korea. This development underscores the increasing vulnerability of global energy markets to geopolitical events.
Officials stated on March 20 that while Qatar’s share of LNG imports to South Korea currently stands at 14%, alternative supply sources are available. They added that the government is closely monitoring both supply and pricing, and is prepared to respond to any further developments.
Force majeure, a clause in contracts that excuses a party from fulfilling its obligations due to circumstances beyond its control, such as war or natural disasters, was raised by Saad Al Kaabi, CEO of QatarEnergy, on March 19. He indicated that Qatar may require to invoke the clause for up to five years regarding LNG contracts with South Korea, Italy, Belgium, and China, according to Reuters.
Qatar is the third-largest supplier of LNG to South Korea, providing 31.4% of the country’s total 46.72 million tons of imports, behind Australia at 31.4% and Malaysia at 16.1%.
The government is also examining potential disruptions to the supply of naphtha, a crucial feedstock for the petrochemical industry. “The government is already implementing export control measures to minimize the overseas outflow of naphtha,” officials said, adding that they are working closely with industry to support the sourcing of alternative supplies.
The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks as South Korea seeks to secure stable energy supplies amid heightened global uncertainty. The government previously announced plans to implement measures to control naphtha exports, aiming to prioritize domestic needs.
