President Lee Jae-myung on the 19th said, "Right now the most urgent task is, first, prices, and second, prices," adding, "We must continue to prepare measures to normalize prices of petroleum products and ease consumers' burden from oil prices until instability in international oil prices is clearly contained."
At a senior secretaries meeting he chaired at the Blue House that afternoon, Lee said, "Both the Blue House and the government must mobilize every available tool with the resolve to stake everything on stabilizing prices and restoring people's livelihoods."
Lee said, "The Middle East war that went on for more than 100 days has finally reached the threshold of an end," adding, "The surge in oil prices, high inflation, and heightened exchange-rate volatility triggered by this war left significant damage to our economy."
He went on, "We must devote our full efforts with the mindset of 'this is the beginning' rather than 'this is the end' to restoring the livelihood economy and addressing shortcomings in industry and the economy," noting, "It is true that the price cap on oil and preemptive price measures have kept much of the price rise in check, but there is still much to examine."
Lee said, "Precisely when it seems we have passed the critical point is when bolder and more precise responses are needed," adding, "If you try to save a dipper of water because the flames seem under control, you could end up in greater trouble."
In addition, Lee called for responses to a surge in heat-related patients due to the sweltering weather, to fatal industrial accidents, and to price gouging following the opening of beaches nationwide.
Lee said, "With the devotion and efforts of public officials, public safety can be further strengthened and abnormalities in daily life can be corrected," adding, "This is a time when every public official must act responsibly."