Wonju: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Tuesday called on the military to maintain its readiness posture by thoroughly securing and managing oil supply amid the Mideast crisis, calling oil an "axis of combat power."

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn made the remark as he visited an oil storage facility at an air base in Wonju, some 140 kilometers east of Seoul, and inspected contingency response systems and ongoing energy-saving measures, the defense ministry said.

"Oil is not merely a resource but an axis of combat power that determines the operation sustainment capability of our military as uncertainties over global energy supply are increasing due to the Mideast war," Ahn stated during his visit. He emphasized the need for the military to maintain its readiness posture through stable oil supply and seamless management even in peacetime.

Global oil prices have risen sharply as the Strait of Hormuz has effectively been closed since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, disrupting global oil supplies. This situation has particularly affected South Korea, which relies heavily on imports for its energy needs.

As part of his visit, Ahn held a leadership lecture for Air Force squadron commanders, urging them to adhere to fundamental principles while staying vigilant to guard the lives and safety of troops, the ministry reported.