Seoul: South Korea will receive more than 6 million barrels of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates, Cheong Wa Dae said, amid concerns over energy prices due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, made the remarks in a briefing as the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory strikes in the region have sparked fears of an energy crisis. Kang stated that at the instructions of President Lee Jae Myung, consultations were held over measures to introduce crude oil, resulting in the confirmation of an emergency introduction of more than 6 million barrels. This move is expected to contribute to the stabilization of oil prices.

Additionally, Kang mentioned that a passenger flight carrying South Korean nationals has departed from Dubai and is scheduled to arrive at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul. This follows discussions with the UAE on measures for their safe arrival. He also pledged to continue talks with the UAE to dispatch a chartered flight to bring back South Koreans stranded in the country.