South Korea has asked its citizens to reduce energy consumption as tensions linked to the Iran war threaten global oil supplies. The government has launched a nationwide energy-saving campaign and advised people to adopt small daily changes, including taking shorter showers, to reduce energy use.
The announcement was made after a cabinet meeting where Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan outlined several voluntary steps for citizens and businesses to conserve energy. The government has issued 12 guidelines aimed at reducing electricity and fuel consumption across the country.
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Energy-Saving Measures
According to a Reuters report, the government has urged people to cut down on long showers, saying shorter bathing time can help save energy. Citizens have also been advised to charge their phones during the daytime and avoid keeping electrical devices plugged in for long periods.
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The guidelines also recommend limiting the use of household appliances such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners during weekdays. Instead, people are encouraged to use these appliances mainly over the weekend to manage power demand more efficiently.
The government has said these measures are voluntary for now. However, officials warned that stricter rules could be introduced if the current campaign does not lead to enough energy savings.
Businesses Asked to Reduce Fuel Use
The South Korean government is also planning to target major fuel-consuming companies. Officials said the top 50 businesses that consume large amounts of oil will be asked to reduce their usage.
These companies may also be encouraged to implement work-from-home policies to reduce transportation fuel consumption. The government hopes this will limit the number of private vehicles on the roads and help cut overall oil demand.