Rising oil prices, exacerbated by U.S. and Israeli tensions with Iran, are causing financial strain on island residents who already face higher fuel costs than those on the mainland.
The increase in fuel prices due to tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran is hitting island residents hard, as they are required to purchase oil at prices higher than mainland averages. According to the Korea Oil Corporation’s Opinet, as of October 10, the average price of gasoline across 217 gas stations on the islands, excluding those connected by bridges, is 1,918.95 won per liter for gasoline and 1,977.50 won for diesel, which exceeds the national averages. In regions like Jeju, fuel prices are notably high, with some locations reaching alarming figures, significantly affecting the economic viability of fishing and daily life.
