South Korea's High Oil Price Relief Grant Draws Public Grumbles as Gas Stations Cannot Accept It

Major News from the US-Iran War (Central News Agency correspondent Yang Chi-fang, Seoul, April 27) - The South Korean government today began disbursing a "High Oil Price Relief Grant" to the bottom 70% of income earners. However, it can only be used at businesses with annual revenues below 3 billion Korean won (approximately NT$75 million), meaning it cannot be used at gas stations that exceed this standard, leading to some public dissatisfaction.
To alleviate the burden on citizens caused by high oil prices and commodity prices due to the Middle East war, the South Korean government today began sequentially disbursing the "High Oil Price Relief Grant" to the bottom 70% of income earners, approximately 32.56 million people (about 63% of the national population). Each person receives a minimum of 100,000 Korean won (about NT$2,000) and a maximum of 600,000 Korean won (nearly NT$13,000).
According to a Yonhap News Agency report today, although the grant's name is "High Oil Price Relief," gas stations with annual revenues exceeding 3 billion Korean won are excluded from its usage. Because taxes account for a high proportion of oil prices, revenues are much higher than actual profits, leading to criticism that the government's usage restrictions deviate from reality.
The report mentioned that today, inquiries were made at 10 gas stations in Seoul about whether the subsidy could be used; 6 stated "not sure," and 4 stated "no." A gas station owner named Kim in Gangseo District frankly said, "It's hard to find a gas station in Seoul with annual revenues below 3 billion won," but he also added, "Everyone thinks we're making huge profits, but in reality, we're barely hanging on."
The Korea Petroleum Association estimates that among approximately 10,000 gas stations nationwide, only 36% have annual revenues below 3 billion won; this proportion may be even lower in large cities like Seoul. A representative from the association stated that they are continuously recommending to the government that gas stations should also be allowed to accept the subsidy, "at least privately operated gas stations should be allowed to accept the subsidy without a revenue threshold."
In addition, the first wave of grant recipients, starting today, includes vulnerable groups such as low-income households, near low-income groups, and single-parent families. Those with birth year ending in 1 or 6 can apply today, 2 or 7 tomorrow, 3 or 8 on the 29th, and 4, 5, 9, or 0 on the 30th. Many citizens made unnecessary trips to administrative welfare centers because they were unclear about the disbursement rules and the staggered application system. (Editor: Tang Sheng-yang) 1150427