Seoul: The average price of gasoline in South Korea reached 2,000 won (US$1.35) per liter for the first time in three years and nine months Friday, amid developments surrounding U.S.-Iran peace talks.

According to Yonhap News Agency, a website operated by Korea National Oil Corp., the nationwide average retail gasoline price had reached 2,000 won per liter as of 7 p.m., up 0.9 won from the previous day. This marks the first time the national average has reached the threshold since July 20, 2022, when prices surged amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

In Seoul, the average gasoline price had already exceeded 2,000 won on April 7 and rose further to 2,030.6 won on Friday, up 1.9 won from the previous day. U.S. President Donald Trump painted a bright picture for another round of possible peace negotiations with Iran on the weekend, while Israel and Lebanon announced a 10-day ceasefire.