Gas Price in Seoul Hits New High

The average price of gasoline on weekdays surpassed 1,800 won per liter in Seoul for the first time.

According to the Korea National Oil Corporation on Friday, its survey of 1,100 gas stations nationwide on retail gas prices in the first week of this month (May 5 to 9) showed that the average price of unleaded regular gasoline in Seoul was 1,802 won per liter, up 22 won from the previous week.

The national average also rose more than 19 won, hitting a record high of 1,752 won per liter.

The average price of diesel in Seoul also hit a record high of 1,750 won per liter, up 28 won, while the national average also soared 28 won, fast approaching the 1,700 won mark.

The hike in diesel prices was greater than that of gasoline this week once again, noticeably narrowing the price gap between the two from 66 won to 58 won per liter.

In addition, the average prices of kerosene for indoors and heating both jumped 26 won, standing at 1,282 won and 1,291 won per liter, respectively.

Based on prices posted on the KNOC’s Web site (www.opinet.co.kr), as of Thursday, the national average price of unleaded regular gasoline reached 1,748 won, up 2 won from the previous day. The price of diesel also rose by 2 won to 1,689 won.

abc@donga.com