Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Thursday ordered government ministries to "seek special national support measures so that non-naphtha packaging materials can spread rapidly," warning that "packaging supply instability is now threatening food supply."
Kim made the remarks while chairing an emergency economic headquarters meeting at the Government Complex Seoul. "The Middle East situation remains uncertain, and there are concerns the war could become prolonged," he said. "We must also actively pursue the transition to a sustainable economy, including non-naphtha policies."
Naphtha is a raw material used to produce vinyl, plastic, and styrofoam products.
The prime minister also stressed that "a zero-tolerance approach is needed against acts that disrupt market order." He added, "We must thoroughly block acts that fuel anxiety through fake news or harm the community's interests through hoarding."
Kim also called on the National Assembly to "provide full support for the government's supplementary budget proposal."