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South Korea Enforces Five-Month Naphtha Export Ban

3/27/2026

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Story summary
  • South Korea imposed a five-month ban on naphtha exports starting March 26 to secure domestic supplies.
  • The industry ministry ordered refiners to redirect exports to the local market, prioritizing healthcare and essential goods.
  • South Korea imports about 45% of its naphtha, largely from the Middle East.
  • The government is considering extending export controls to petrochemicals, and LG Chem reports a temporary naphtha-cracker shutdown.