SEOUL — South Korea is considering extending driving curbs to the general public if global oil prices climb further, senior officials said, as authorities seek to rein in energy demand amid supply strains due to the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said on Sunday (March 29) the government could expand restrictions on passenger car use beyond public institutions if crude prices rise to around US$120 (S$155) to US$130 a barrel, up from the current US$100 to US$110 range.