Following the government's implementation of a maximum price policy on petroleum products, gasoline and diesel have shifted to a downward trend. However, tax-exempt indoor kerosene used for agricultural heating has continued to rise, leaving farming households under financial strain.
According to the oil price information system (Opinet) on the 22nd, the average sales price of tax-exempt indoor kerosene used for heating facility crops was 1,256.15 Korean won as of on the 20th, up 2.5% from 1,225.65 Korean won on the 13th when the maximum price policy was enforced. Compared to the recent low of 1,115.41 Korean won on the 3rd, the price has surged by 12.6%.
From the 3rd to the 20th, the price of indoor kerosene rose for 17 consecutive days. This contrasts with regular gasoline, diesel, and indoor kerosene, which are not tax-exempt and have fallen by around 100 Korean won from their recent highs. While oil prices across the board dropped before and after the maximum price policy took effect, tax-exempt indoor kerosene was the only exception, continuing its upward trajectory.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has also struggled to provide clear answers regarding this situation. Tax-exempt kerosene is subject to the maximum price policy. A source from the ministry stated, "We are monitoring prices" and added, "We are verifying the causes of the kerosene price increase."
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