Busan citizens insensible to increasing oil prices
As time goes on, international oil prices are soaring higher. On May 3, the price of Dubai started at US 68 dollars per barrel, the highest price in history; imported oil sold at 50 dollars at the beginning of last year here in the nation. A source says domestic oil prices are up 7.3% on average compared to last year. Some gas stations in Busan sell gas at 1,600 won per liter.
It is clear that soaring oil prices are aggravating the productivity of local companies and living standards, but average citizens fall into an oil anesthesia, just watching their back with twisted arms. According to a source from the automobile sector, the number of new vehicle purchasers is increasing even in this situation. An official from the Busan vehicle registration office says that the number of newly registered vehicles during this year is up 5.6% compared to last year. In particular, more than 60% of the vehicles sold in 2005 are over 1,500cc in engine displacement.
Contrary to other districts where drivers make use of public transportation or carpools in a period of soaring oil prices, Busan citizens still drive their own cars and the traffic jams are severe on the roads. According to the Busan Metropolitan Facilities Management Authority, traffic on the Dongseo highway, which drivers use most, increased during March and April, higher than the same month last year. It means that soaring oil prices are not equal to a reduction of traffic jams.
The amount of electricity use is also continuously increasing. A source says total electrical use by Busan citizens is up 7.3% compared to last year. Currently, the Ministry of Industry and Resources plans to encourage citizens to use car pools and energy-conserving products. However, the percent of citizens participating in a ten-day rotation system is lower than expected.
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 / 입력시간: 2006. 05.04. 08:42
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