Seoul: Samsung Group said Wednesday it will join government-led energy-saving efforts, voluntarily introducing a 10-day vehicle rotation system, as the country braces for a potential energy shortage amid prolonged tensions in the Middle East. The 10-day rotation system will be implemented across all of its domestic operations starting Thursday, Samsung Group said in a statement.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the plan restricts a vehicle from operating one day out of every 10, based on the last digit of the license plate number. Electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as cars used by people with disabilities, pregnant women, and those with children, are exempt. Idle parking lots will be closed on holidays, apparently to discourage employees from operating their vehicles on such days, while 50 percent of outdoor lighting and interior illumination in non-business areas will be turned off.

The company said it will encourage employees to participate in the campaign at workplaces, which will include turning off computers after work. "We will join the government's efforts to overcome difficulties stemming from rising oil prices," Samsung said. "We expect the measures to help expand such efforts across the industry."

SK Group, another major conglomerate, also said it will implement a five-day vehicle rotation system across all business divisions starting next Monday. Employees will be required to turn off lights during lunchtime and after work, while recommended temperature settings will be set at above 26 C for cooling and below 18 C for heating.

Earlier this week, HD Hyundai Group announced similar energy-saving measures, including a 10-day vehicle rationing system. Starting Wednesday, the South Korean government enforced a mandatory five-day vehicle rotation system for the public sector, along with other energy-saving measures, to respond to possible oil supply disruptions.