Over 200 Gas Stations Raised Fuel Prices Despite Maximum Price System

Gasoline Prices Increased at 211 Stations (1.98%) and Diesel at 246 Stations (2.31%)
Government Launches Two-Week Special Inspection

On the first day of the maximum oil price system enforcement on the 13th, Jeonggwan Kim, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, visited a gas station in Mapo, Seoul, and conducted quantity verification and on-site inspection with the Korea Petroleum Management Institute staff. 2026.03.13 Photo by Dongjoo Yoon

After the implementation of the maximum oil price system, a significant number of gas stations across the country have lowered their fuel prices, but it has been confirmed that some gas stations actually raised their prices.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on March 16, as of 9 a.m. that day, out of 10,646 gas stations nationwide, 8,628 stations (81.04%) had reduced gasoline prices compared to March 12—before the maximum price system was implemented. A total of 8,770 stations (82.37%) had lowered diesel prices.

While most gas stations participated in price cuts, some moved in the opposite direction. During the same period, 211 stations (1.98%) increased gasoline prices, and 246 stations (2.31%) raised diesel prices.

The maximum price system sets an upper limit on the wholesale prices that refiners can charge gas stations. Because this system does not directly control the retail price at gas stations, consumer prices may remain unchanged or even rise for a certain period, depending on factors such as existing inventory, distribution costs, and margins at each station.

The government is closely monitoring price trends to minimize market confusion in the early stages of the system's implementation. In particular, the two weeks following the introduction of the maximum price system have been designated as a special inspection period, during which the government will intensively crack down on price hikes, hoarding, and the distribution of fake oil at gas stations nationwide.

On the same day, Minister of Industry and Energy Kim Jeonggwan also visited a budget gas station in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, to carry out an on-site inspection. Minister Kim stated, "It seems that the reduction in supply prices from refiners is being reflected in consumer prices somewhat slowly," adding, "Once the existing inventory at gas stations is depleted, the effects of the price cuts will naturally become apparent."

Going forward, the government plans to continue monitoring gas station prices and conducting on-site inspections. In addition, it is considering providing incentives to 'good gas stations' that actively participate in lowering prices.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.