The results of a study by a national research institute with the argument that "the way thrifty gas stations operate should be changed" has come out.
According to the report of 'Through Gas Station Business 10 Year Evaluation and Tasks' of the Korea Energy Economics Research Institute obtained by SBS, the price gap between thrifty gas stations and regular gas stations is getting bigger than expected.
Korea National Oil Corporation, which is currently supplying oil to thrifty gas stations, is returning profits to thrifty gas stations due to its 'no-margin' policy.
The research team explained that since the introduction of thrifty gas stations in 2011, it has broken the oligopoly of the oil refining industry and brought consumer benefits worth a total of 2.1 trillion won through price cuts.
There are 1,266 thrifty gas stations nationwide as of the end of last year, operated by the self-employed, the Nonghyup, and the Road Corporation.
However, for win-win with the industry, the report argued that it is no longer necessary to expand thrifty gas stations, except in some areas where consumer access is difficult, and that subsidies for new thrifty gas stations should be stopped.
In particular, he pointed out that the proceeds returned by the Korea National Oil Corporation should be used for public interest, not for thrifty gas stations.
Previously, at a debate held by Rep. Ja-geun Koo, the People's Strength, there were also complaints that the gas station industry should be privatized or abolished, saying that the government's support for thrifty gas stations would cause great damage.
As the Ministry of Strategy and Finance presented the reduction of the role of public institutions in the private sector as a guideline last month, some observers suggested that thrifty gas stations would be a target for reduction.
The government and Korea National Oil Corporation plan to come up with ways to improve the thrifty gas station business based on the report of the Energy Economics Research Institute.