As the international oil price topped $100 per barrel due to the Middle East crisis, police said they would step up crackdowns on illegal acts related to fuel prices.

Park Jeong-bo, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner, said at a regular press briefing on the 9th, "We will pay close attention to and tighten crackdowns on violators of the Petroleum and Petroleum Products Business Act that may arise in connection with the Middle East crisis."

As gasoline and diesel prices rise in South Korea amid the fallout from armed clashes between the United States and Israel and Iran, people refuel their vehicles at the Mannamui Square gas station in Seocho-gu, Seoul, the afternoon of the 8th. /Courtesy of News1

In particular, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency also plans to launch an intensive investigation centered on the "task force (TF) to eradicate crimes that disrupt people's livelihoods and prices," led by the Korean National Police Agency Head of Team of the Investigation Bureau.

According to the Opinet oil price information system of the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC), as of 12 p.m. that day, the average domestic gasoline price was 1,900.65 won per liter, surpassing the 1,900-won mark for the first time in about 3 years and 8 months since July 2022.

Police also strengthened security at the embassies in Korea and residences related to the Middle East crisis, including those of the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Commissioner Park said, "It is difficult to specify the exact targets," but noted that riot police have been additionally deployed, patrol cars have been stationed, and linked patrols with police boxes have been increased.

Police are also conducting dedicated monitoring of "fake news" related to the Middle East crisis by deploying two cyber investigation teams. Commissioner Park said, "If a post that could lead to a crime is found, we will investigate immediately and strictly."

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