• Seoul opens talks with Algeria and Libya to secure alternative oil supplies

• Heavy dependence on Middle East routes exposes refining system to risks

• Broader strategy aims to diversify energy partners, including in Africa

Under pressure from rising tensions in the Middle East, South Korea is exploring African options to strengthen its energy security and stabilize oil imports. According to reports published April 17 by Yonhap News, Seoul has opened discussions with Algeria and Libya as part of this effort.

Vice Foreign Minister Park Jong-han held talks with energy officials in both countries, expressing interest in closer cooperation, including the possibility of emergency supplies of crude oil and naphtha.

The discussions took place during a visit to Algeria and Libya from April 13 to 16 and included meetings with key public energy players—Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and Algeria’s Sonatrach.

Following the talks, Libya indicated it could allocate crude to South Korea, subject to technical and financial conditions, according to South Korean media. Algeria signaled willingness to expand cooperation beyond oil to include infrastructure, training, and renewable energy with Korean companies. No formal agreement has been signed at this stage.

A powerful but exposed refining system

This outreach comes as South Korea remains one of the world’s most import-dependent energy economies. The country relies on imports for 94% to 97% of its energy needs, according to data from the Korea National Oil Corporation. Daily crude consumption ranges between 2.5 million and 2.8 million barrels, driven in part by a strong petrochemical industry.

This dependence is reflected in its refining system. Data from S&P Global Commodity Insights published in early April 2026 show that South Korea has refining capacity of between 3.5 million and 4 million barrels per day. With no meaningful domestic production, its refineries run almost entirely on imported crude.

Supply sources remain heavily concentrated in the Middle East. According to January 2026 figures from the Middle East Economic Survey, about 70% of South Korea’s crude imports come from the region. Most of these shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for roughly 20% of global oil flows.

Any prolonged disruption along this route would directly affect South Korea’s refining operations. In response, authorities have already taken steps to reduce exposure. Reuters reported last week, citing presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik, that Seoul has secured around 273 million barrels of crude through alternative routes. The government has also activated strategic reserves and accelerated efforts to diversify supply sources.

A broader push to diversify energy partners

The talks with Algeria and Libya are part of a wider strategy to diversify energy partnerships. Beyond North Africa, South Korean authorities are also exploring opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa, including the Republic of Congo.

“We will send a special envoy from the foreign ministry to the Republic of Congo,” Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said during a cabinet meeting on April 14.

Abdel-Latif Boureima