South Korea Secures 273 Million Barrels of Oil Bypassing Strait of Hormuz

South Korea secured 273 million barrels of crude oil and 2.1 million tons of naphtha through alternative routes.

“South Korea has secured 273 million barrels of crude oil through alternative routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, in a strategic move aimed at shielding its economy”

Al-Manar TV Lebanon

The announcement was made by President Lee's Chief of Staff following a diplomatic tour across Kazakhstan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Al-Manar TV Lebanon

Saudi Arabia committed to supplying approximately 50 million barrels already allocated and redirected through Red Sea export terminals.

Kazakhstan is expected to provide 18 million barrels, and Oman has committed 5 million barrels of crude and 1.6 million tons of naphtha.

The secured volumes are sufficient to sustain South Korea's economy for more than three months under normal conditions.

South Korea's heavy dependence on the Strait of Hormuz accounts for 61% of its crude oil imports.

The diplomatic mission was described as driven by an economic emergency tied to the regional conflict.

Sahifa Al-Arab Al-Qatariyya

South Korea is exploring longer-term solutions including bypass pipelines and expanded storage infrastructure.

Domestic efforts to increase oil storage capacity are underway.

These measures reflect a broader shift toward structural resilience.

The US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has proven less than totally secure.

“South Korea and Taiwan have announced plans to send ships to transport oil from ports on the Red Sea, to avoid passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been almost closed since the start of the war in the Middle East”

Sahifa Al-Arab Al-Qatariyya

Iranian-linked vessels have continued to transit the waterway.

CBS News reported multiple tankers navigating the strait.

A Turkish ship recently transited the Strait with eight others awaiting clearance.

This is the third Japan-affiliated vessel to transit since the war broke out.