South Korea has secured an additional 18 million barrels of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates as ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States continue to disrupt global energy supply chains.

The deal comes as the Strait of Hormuz – a critical passage for global oil shipments remains effectively shut, creating urgency for alternative supply routes. Around 70 percent of South Korea’s crude imports typically move through the strait, making the disruption a major concern for the country’s energy security.

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik confirmed that six million barrels will be transported using vessels registered in the UAE, while the remaining 12 million barrels will arrive aboard South Korean ships.

He noted that deliveries would be routed through diversified channels designed to bypass the affected waterway, although specific logistics were not disclosed.

To further strengthen its energy buffer, South Korea has also finalized an agreement with the UAE that allows it to purchase crude oil on short notice during emergencies.

The arrangement builds on an earlier supply deal involving about four million barrels and includes access to up to two million barrels stored in joint strategic reserves located within South Korea.

The escalating conflict has already had domestic consequences, prompting Seoul to introduce fuel price controls for the first time in nearly three decades in an effort to shield consumers from rising costs.

As one of the world’s top oil consumers, South Korea uses roughly 2.5 million barrels per day, making stable access to crude supplies essential for its economy. The latest agreement with the UAE highlights the country’s push to secure energy alternatives amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.