South Korea Targets Lower Middle East Crude and Naphtha Dependence

September 23, 2026

News summary: Reuters reported South Korea plans to cut the Middle East share of its crude imports from 70% in 2025 to 50% by 2035, expand crude stocks by about 20 million barrels by 2030 and secure more condensate for naphtha production.

Market context: The policy directly affects crude sourcing, condensate and naphtha trade, voyage lengths, inventory costs and Asian petrochemical feedstock security.