Korea Petroleum Distribution Association "Promoting Research Service for Altteul Gas Station System Improvement"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The Korea Petroleum Distribution Association held its 33rd regular general meeting on the 25th at El Tower in Yangjae, attended by nationwide member companies such as petroleum agencies and refiners, as well as related organizations.

At the meeting, the association set its 2021 business goals as improving the management environment of member companies, actively responding to energy transition, and enhancing the association's status and capabilities. To this end, it resolved to actively promote 10 key projects and 33 major tasks (see attachment).

The association stated, "Among the 10 key projects, the top priority is to comprehensively review and abolish Eoljuka gas stations, while also working on institutional improvements such as improving the Eoljuka bidding system and abolishing incentives from the Korea National Oil Corporation." It also announced plans to hold two policy forums at the National Assembly on the themes of 'Energy Transition Response' and 'Eoljuka Policy Improvement,' and to conduct a research project on 'Eoljuka Gas Station System Improvement' with the Korea Petroleum Association and the Gas Station Association in the first half of the year."

Additionally, at the meeting, the association actively proposed securing funds for support for gas station openings and closures by abolishing the Korea National Oil Corporation's Eoljuka incentives and converting them into support funds for gas station openings and closures. It also decided to continuously pursue deregulation for petroleum agencies and gas stations.

In particular, the association announced plans to urge the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to conduct a research project on establishing a 'Petroleum Sales Mutual Aid Association' together with the Gas Station Association, and to urge the government, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Environment, to prepare measures at the government level to resolve soil remediation costs at gas stations.

At the meeting, Chairman Kim Jeong-hoon of the association said in his greeting, "Last year, both the public and petroleum operators faced many difficulties due to the COVID-19 crisis, and recently, with global energy transition policies and declining petroleum demand, the future of the petroleum distribution industry does not look bright." He added, "The association will do its best to protect the interests and rights of petroleum operators through fundamental improvements to the Eoljuka gas station policy for market normalization, easing excessive crackdowns and penalties, supporting gas station openings and closures, and expanding non-fuel businesses."

Meanwhile, through the regular general meeting, the Korea Petroleum Distribution Association also deliberated and approved the 2020 settlement of accounts, amendments to the articles of association, and the 2021 business plan and budget.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.