North Korea has asked South Korea for 450,000 tons of fertilizer aid this year worth some 180 billion won.

In a phone message last week to the Korea National Red Cross in Seoul, the North's Red Cross commissioner asked for 150,000 tons by the end of the month and 300,000 more tons later.

Vice Unification Minister Lee Bong-jo in Seoul said ministries will review all circumstances and decide on the initial 150,000 tons.

Since 1999, Seoul has sent Pyongyang 1.9 million tons of fertilizer, including 350,000 tons last year.