UAE to prioritize Korea in crude oil supply, Lee's chief of staff says
Published: 18 Mar. 2026, 13:00
![Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik speaks during a press conference at the Blue House in central Seoul on March 18. [YONHAP]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/03/18/28b73555-30fa-4423-b1ac-7506b487e66b.jpg)
Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik speaks during a press conference at the Blue House in central Seoul on March 18. [YONHAP]
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged to prioritize the supply of crude oil to Korea, President Lee Jae Myung's top aide said Wednesday, saying that a total of 24 million barrels have been secured from the Gulf nation.
Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, made the announcement in a briefing after returning from his trip to the UAE, amid concerns over global energy markets with the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory strikes entering their third week.
"The UAE clearly promised us that no country would receive crude oil ahead of Korea, and that we are the 'No. 1 priority' in terms of its oil supply," Kang said.
With the latest announcement, Korea is set to receive a total of 24 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE, including an earlier agreement of 6 million barrels, according to Kang.
Around 3,000 of the 3,500 Korean nationals staying short term in the UAE have returned home safely, he added.
Yonhap
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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