North Korea: Car users in Pyongyang scrambling to pack up their tanks
C ar users in Pyongyang are scrambling to pack up their tanks as gas stations begin limiting services or even closing amid concerns of a spreading shortage.
A sign outside one station in the North Korean capital said on Friday that sales were being restricted to diplomats or vehicles used by international organisations, while others were closed or turning away local residents. Lines at other stations were much longer than usual and prices appeared to be rising significantly.
The cause of the confinements or how long they might last was not instantaneously known.
North Korea relies intensely on China for its fuel supply and Beijing has reportedly been tightening its enforcement of international sanctions aimed at getting Pyongyang to abandon its development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.
The issue was raised at a regular Chinese foreign ministry news conference in Beijing on Friday after a Chinese media outlet, Global Times, reported gas stations were restricting service and charging higher prices.
But spokesman Lu Kang gave an ambiguous response when asked if China was restricting fuel deliveries.
“As for what kind of policy China is taking, I think you should listen to the authoritative remarks or statements of the Chinese government,” he said, without elaborating on what those remarks or statements are. “For the remarks made by certain people or circulated online, it is up to you if you want to take them as references.”
One of China’s top North Korea scholars, Kim Dong-jil, director of the Center for Korean Peninsula Studies of Peking University, said he had not heard of fresh limitations on fuel to pressure Pyongyang, but said they are considered to be an option. China’s Ministry of Commerce had no instantaneous comment.
G asoline was selling at $1.25 (98p) per kilogram at one station, up from the previous 70-80 cents. According to a sign outside a station where ordinary North Korean vehicles were being turned away, the limitations took effect on Wednesday.
G asoline is sold in North Korea by the kilogram, harshly equivalent to a litre.
When buying gas in North Korea, customers usually very first purchase coupons at a cashier’s booth for the amount of fuel they want. After packing up the tank, leftover coupons can be used on later visits until their expiration date. A common amount for the coupons is fifteen kilograms (Nineteen.65 litres).
Supply is managed by the state.
The military, state ministries and priority projects have the best access. Several chains of packing stations are operated under different state-run enterprises – for example, Air Koryo, the national flagship airline, operates gas stations as well.
P rices can vary from one station to another.
Traffic in Pyongyang has become stronger than in past years when visitors were often struck by the lack of cars on the capital’s broad avenues.
The greater number of cars, including erection fleets of taxis, has been an indication of greater economic activity, as many are used for business purposes, such as transporting people or goods.
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