• Seoul seeks new oil supply routes as Hormuz Strait disruptions shake markets

• Algeria emerges as a key alternative supplier outside high-risk maritime zones

• Strategy combines diplomacy, logistics shifts, and use of strategic reserves

The war in Iran has sharply disrupted global energy markets, exposing the fragility of key supply routes. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of global oil and gas consumption transits—has triggered price volatility and heightened concerns over supply security. In response, major importing economies are moving to reduce their exposure to the region.

South Korea, heavily dependent on hydrocarbon imports, is part of this shift. On April 6, authorities in Seoul announced they were dispatching special envoys to several countries, including Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, to secure new crude oil supply sources. The information, shared by Democratic Party lawmaker Ahn Do-geol, was widely reported by local media.

The move reflects a broader effort to diversify suppliers and avoid the most geopolitically exposed maritime routes. Within this strategy, Algeria is drawing increasing attention. Already an energy partner to South Korea, the country is gaining ground as a credible alternative for several reasons. Its production capacity and steady export flows position it as a reliable supplier at a time of market tension. At the same time, its infrastructure and export routes—less dependent on the Strait of Hormuz—offer a level of resilience that importers are actively seeking.

This growing interest in Algeria is part of a wider trend. The country is also central to the energy strategies of several European nations, particularly Italy, which is looking to offset disruptions in liquefied natural gas supplies from Qatar. Rising Algerian exports to Europe highlight this shift, with pipeline deliveries increasingly seen as more stable than maritime shipments.

For South Korea, securing new supply routes is not limited to diplomatic outreach. Authorities are also exploring logistical alternatives, including the use of ports outside the Persian Gulf, particularly along the Red Sea. The aim is to reduce exposure to conflict zones while maintaining sufficient supply for the domestic economy.

At the same time, Seoul is activating internal crisis management tools. The use of strategic petroleum reserves and closer monitoring of industrial supply chains are helping to cushion the immediate impact of disrupted flows. These measures reflect the need for both diplomatic and operational responses to a major energy shock.

Over the longer term, the situation points to a broader reshaping of global energy dynamics. Like other import-dependent economies, South Korea is seeking to move away from unstable regions and strengthen ties with more predictable suppliers. In this evolving landscape, Algeria is emerging as an increasingly central player in the reconfiguration of global energy supply routes.

Olivier de Souza