Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, answers lawmakers' questions at the 1st plenary meeting of the 434th National Assembly (extraordinary session) of the Special Committee on Budget & Accounts at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 7th. /Courtesy of News1

In response to criticism that the "high oil price damage support payment," which is provided to 70% of the public, cannot actually be used at gas stations, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol said he would "consult with the relevant ministries."

Cheon Ha-ram of the Reform Party said at the full meeting of the Special Committee on Budget & Accounts at the National Assembly on the 7th, "You can't use local love gift certificates (local currency) at places where annual sales exceed 3 billion won," adding, "For this reason, even if you receive the high oil price damage support payment, you can't use it at gas stations."

Cheon said, "Only 22% of all gas stations in Seoul are eligible to join the local love gift certificate network. In Suncheon, about 18 out of 88 accept them, or 20%," adding, "It's ridiculous that a high oil price damage support payment can't be used at gas stations."

Deputy Prime Minister Koo said, "We will consult on whether that is practically feasible."

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