Fuel tax cut extended by 2 more months through the end of November — 100 won per liter off at expressway gas stations over the Chuseok holiday
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
The fuel tax cut is extended by an additional 2 months, through the end of November 2026. Gasoline keeps a 15% cut and diesel and butane a 25% cut, and over the Chuseok holiday (September 24–27) fuel prices at expressway gas stations nationwide will fall by 100 won per liter from the September 17 level.
Key facts
| Extension period | The fuel tax cut, which had been set to expire at the end of September, is extended by an additional 2 months through the end of November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Size of the cut | 15% cut maintained on gasoline / 25% cut kept as is on diesel and butane |
| Expressway gas stations | Over the Chuseok holiday, September 24–27, 2026, fuel prices at expressway gas stations nationwide managed by the Korea Expressway Corporation are cut by 100 won per liter from the September 17 level |
| EV charging | Plan to discount charging fees during the Chuseok period in daytime hours when renewable supply such as solar power is plentiful |
| 10th round of maximum petroleum prices | Applies for 4 weeks from 0:00 on September 19, 2026 — frozen at the same level as the 9th round (per liter: gasoline 1,784 won, diesel 1,773 won, kerosene 1,380 won) |
| How it was decided | Meeting of the Emergency Economic Headquarters held jointly with the ministerial meeting on economic affairs, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol, on September 18, 2026 |
| Inquiries | Ministry of Economy and Finance, Policy Coordination Division (재정경제부 정책조정총괄과) 044-215-4510; Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Petroleum Industry Division (석유산업과) 044-203-5215 |
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At a meeting of the Emergency Economic Headquarters held jointly with the ministerial meeting on economic affairs on September 18, 2026, the government decided to extend the fuel tax cut, which had been set to expire at the end of September, by an additional 2 months through the end of November. The 15% cut on gasoline continues, while diesel and butane keep their current 25% cut. During the Chuseok holiday, from September 24 to 27, fuel prices at expressway gas stations nationwide managed by the Korea Expressway Corporation (한국도로공사) will be cut by 100 won per liter from the September 17 level. Electric vehicle charging fees will also be discounted during the Chuseok period in daytime hours when renewable supply such as solar power is plentiful. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (산업통상부) announced that the 10th round of maximum petroleum prices, which applies for 4 weeks from 0:00 on September 19, is frozen at the same level as the 9th round: 1,784 won per liter for gasoline, 1,773 won for diesel and 1,380 won for kerosene.
Background — why this change
The government said the measure is intended to ease the fuel cost burden on the public caused by rising international oil prices. Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol (구윤철) said, “Uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East is widening again, with international oil prices rising sharply of late,” and added, “The government will not let its guard down, will keep its emergency response system in place, and will do its utmost to manage energy supply and prices stably.”
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
How long does the fuel tax cut last?
Through the end of November 2026. The measure, which had been set to expire at the end of September, was extended by an additional 2 months.
Is the cut for diesel and butane the same as for gasoline?
Gasoline keeps a 15% cut, while diesel, which is essential for industry and logistics, and butane, used as a fuel for small trucks and by ordinary households, keep their current, larger 25% cut.
When does the 100 won cut at expressway gas stations apply?
From September 24 to 27, 2026, during the Chuseok holiday, expressway gas stations nationwide managed by the Korea Expressway Corporation apply prices cut by 100 won per liter from the September 17 level.