Anchor: A Chinese media outlet says gas stations in Pyongyang have reduced sales of fuel and some have even shut down. This adds to speculations that China may have restricted its supply of crude oil to North Korea or it may be preparing to do so.
Our Park Jong-hong has this report.
 
Report: Gas stations in Pyongyang are restricting sales of fuel.
 
The Global Times, a sister media outlet of the state-run People’s Daily, carried the rare report on Tuesday which depicted the current reality in North Korea.
 
The newspaper's Pyongyang correspondent reported that a gas station catering to diplomats on Monday was strictly limiting sales to vehicles of foreign organizations and diplomatic personnel.
 
Chilsung and Koryo Airline gas stations were also allowing sales to people with rationing tickets.
 
Another gas station, Daesung, has reportedly shut down temporarily.
 
What’s more the paper said that new oil supplies are not being secured and oil reserves have almost run out.
 
Some say it’s likely that China has partially restricted crude oil supply as part of sanctions against North Korea in order to stop it from conducting nuclear or missile tests.
 
On social networking services in China, others speculate that this is a self-induced measure by the North to prepare against a possible restriction in supply.
 
In any case, many agree that China’s recent increase in pressure on the North is clearly having an effect.
 
Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry said it is maintaining normal exchanges and smooth communication with North Korea through bilateral diplomatic channels.
Park Jong-hong KBS World Radio News.
 

[Photo : ]