SEOUL — In a preemptive move to counter the escalating energy supply instability triggered by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, the South Korean government has officially mandated the "5-day rotation system" (vehicle day-no-drive program) for all public sector vehicles, effective midnight March 25.

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the urgency of the situation during a Cabinet meeting on the 24th, calling for a nationwide "energy-saving movement."

"Public institutions must lead by example through the vehicle rotation system," President Lee stated. "I urge our citizens to join us in using public transportation and practicing electricity conservation to overcome this national challenge, just as we did during the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic."

 
Mandatory for Public, Voluntary for Private
Under the new mandate issued by the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment, vehicles are restricted from operating on specific weekdays based on the last digit of their license plates.

Exemptions: Electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered cars, and vehicles carrying persons with disabilities, pregnant women, or preschool children are exempt from the rule.
Penalties: Public employees who repeatedly violate the system (four times or more) will face disciplinary action, and non-compliant vehicles will be barred from government parking lots.
The government estimates that the participation of approximately 1.5 million public sector vehicles will save about 3,000 barrels of oil per day.

Escalating Measures for the Private Sector
While the mandate currently applies only to the public sector, the government is strongly encouraging private sector involvement. Major corporations have been advised to adjust commuting hours to disperse traffic congestion and reduce fuel consumption. Should the energy alert level rise from "Caution" to "Alert," the government warned it would consider making the 5-day rotation system mandatory for the general public as well.

A Multi-Pronged Energy Strategy
Beyond driving restrictions, the Ministry has requested the top 50 energy-consuming corporations to establish energy-saving plans, offering policy financial support as an incentive.

To diversify fuel sources, the government plans to:

Ease restrictions on coal-fired power plants to reduce Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) consumption.
Restart five nuclear reactors currently under maintenance by May to stabilize the power supply.
"We are entering a phase of 'selective demand management,'" said Kim Seong-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment. "The government will do everything in its power to ensure that the fallout from the Middle East crisis does not paralyze the daily lives of our citizens."

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