South Gyeongsang Province is launching a special inspection campaign as fuel prices surge amid rising international oil prices following the Middle East crisis.
The provincial government announced it will join a pan-government joint inspection team to conduct special inspections starting April 6, targeting gas stations that have excessively raised prices compared to pre-crisis levels. As of April 5, gasoline prices in South Gyeongsang had risen 131 won per liter and diesel prices had jumped 230 won compared to February 28.
The inspections will focus on high-risk gas stations flagged for excessive price increases relative to February 28 levels or those that have received multiple consumer complaints. Authorities will conduct undercover enforcement using unmarked inspection vehicles.
The province plans to work with local municipalities to urge gas station operators to exercise restraint in raising prices, citing concerns that rising domestic petroleum product prices could burden residents and trigger broader inflation.
The special inspections, which will also check for violations of price display regulations, will continue until prices stabilize.
"Residents are deeply concerned about the recent surge in fuel prices," said Kwon Dae-hyuk, director of the Energy Industry Division at South Gyeongsang Province. "We will make every effort to minimize the impact of Middle East instability on provincial fuel prices through active cooperation with the petroleum industry."