PYONGYANG, DPRK (Reuters) — Gasoline supply in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been limited since the past week and the gas price has almost doubled, causing long lines to form at the few opened gas stations on Tuesday.
The gas supply shortage in Pyongyang the capital started from April 19, when a gas station mainly serving foreigners closed in the morning. Only vehicles with diplomatic plates can get fuel.
Most gas stations remained open on April 19. But as time went by, more and more stations stopped their services. Some placed roadblocks at the station entrance, others had no staff.
The few remaining opened gas stations on Tuesday had long lines waiting outside. The oil shortage prompted Pyongyang drivers to rush to fill their tanks full.
The cause of the shortage is still unknown, and no one knows how long the limitation will last for.
In DPRK, drivers usually buy a gas coupon before they fuel their vehicles. The price of a 15-kilogram-oil ticket now is about $23, almost two times higher than its usual price (about $13).
Gas stations in DPRK are all state-owned, so vehicles from the military or the government will be supplied with priority.
