The Republic of Korea (ROK) is seeing a surge in demand for plastic trash bags as concerns over potential disruptions to petrochemical supplies from the ongoing Middle East conflict prompt consumers to stockpile.
In ROK, residents are required to use government-designated bags to dispose of household waste. Without them, garbage won’t be collected, making them an essential part of daily life.
The surge in demand reflects fears that the Middle East conflict, which has disrupted oil flows and heightened uncertainty in global petrochemical markets, could choke supplies of naphtha, the raw material for South Korea’s garbage bags.
The government is now regulating naphtha exports to help ensure a stable domestic supply.
Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Kim Sung-whan has also assured the public that there are enough standard garbage bags in stock and that there is no need to stockpile or worry about price hikes. Despite such reassurances, many people are still buying ahead.
Sales of garbage bags in Seoul supermarkets have surged in recent weeks, with some stores now limiting how many each person can buy.
"It's inconvenient because they're unavailable. It's frustrating. We need them, but the stores don't have enough. What are we supposed to do?" said Han, a shopper.
"With garbage bags and plastic goods, there are a lot of difficulties right now because of raw material shortages. I just hope this conflict ends soon," said Kim Man-seok, another shopper.
Experts say it is the fear of disruption, not the disruption itself, that is changing how people behave.
ROK sees panic buying of trash bags as Middle East conflict stirs supply fears
