Officials announce expanded subsidies, increased public transport, and accelerated electric vehicle deployment in response to Middle East crisis
Category: Economy
In a decisive move to combat the rising fuel prices exacerbated by the Middle East crisis, Jinju City officials unveiled a comprehensive plan on April 16, 2026, aimed at supporting the transportation sector and alleviating the financial burden on residents. Jinju's Deputy Mayor, Park Il-dong, outlined key strategies during a briefing held at the city hall, including the expansion of fuel subsidies, enhancements to public transportation, and the expedited deployment of electric vehicles.
The city’s measures come in response to the prolonged rise in fuel prices, which has significantly impacted the logistics and transportation sectors. Park emphasized the urgency of these initiatives, stating, "We have prepared urgent support measures to ease the burden on citizens during this era of high fuel prices and to stabilize the operations of the freight transport sector."
To address the immediate concerns of rising fuel costs, Jinju City plans to increase its fuel subsidy program, which will now extend the subsidy linkage deadline from February to April. The support rate for diesel exceeding 1,700 won per liter will be raised from 50% to 70%. In addition, the city will increase the fuel tax reduction rate from 10% to 25%, with the end date for this reduction pushed from April to May.
To fund these initiatives, the city has allocated an additional 4 billion won to the previously budgeted 16 billion won, ensuring that transport operators can maintain normal operations during this challenging period.
In conjunction with these financial supports, Jinju City is also enhancing its public transport system. Starting in May, three additional buses will be added to the routes serving the Chojun-dong and Chungmugong-dong areas to accommodate increased demand during peak commuting times. New bus lines, numbered 30 and 30-1, will be established to facilitate easier access for students and workers alike.
As part of the broader strategy to promote public transit usage, the city is temporarily increasing the refund rate for the ‘K-Pass’ transportation card to 30% for off-peak commuting hours. The threshold for qualifying amounts will also be reduced by 50%, allowing more residents to benefit from the refund program.
In addition to these measures, Jinju City is accelerating the rollout of electric vehicles. By the end of March, the city had already provided subsidies for 500 passenger and 100 freight electric vehicles. Plans to distribute an additional 150 passenger and 100 freight vehicles, originally scheduled for later in the year, have been moved up to May.
To support the expansion of electric vehicle subsidies, Jinju City is requesting an additional 2 billion won from the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment. This proactive approach aims to bolster the city's commitment to sustainable transportation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Park reiterated the city’s dedication to supporting its residents during these challenging times, stating, "We are doing our utmost to provide timely assistance, including the upcoming living support funds for Gyeongnam residents and compensation for those affected by high fuel prices."
These comprehensive measures represent a complex approach to mitigate the immediate impacts of rising fuel prices and to promote long-term sustainability and resilience in Jinju’s transportation infrastructure. As the situation evolves, city officials remain committed to adapting their strategies to best serve the community’s needs.
Jinju City’s proactive response highlights the importance of local governance in addressing economic challenges and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored, with residents hopeful for relief in their daily commuting and transportation costs.