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![Choi Sang-mok, senior presidential secretary for economic affairs, speaks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on Thursday. [YONHAP]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/10092015.jpg?imageId=10092015&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![Power meter at a low-rise apartment in Seoul in March. [NEWS1]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/11329096.jpg?imageId=11329096&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![Soaring energy prices are taking a toll on Korea's trade balance while adding to inflationary pressures. The total imports of three major energy sources — crude oil, natural gas and coal — totaled $38.5 billion from January 1 through March 20, up 85.4 percent compared to the same period the previous year, according to the Korea Customs Service Monday. [YONHAP]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/10589286.jpg?imageId=10589286&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)