South Korea investigates medical syringe hoarding as Middle East war disrupts supplies

South Korean police launched investigations into four medical device distributors suspected of hoading syringes amid global supply chain disruptions caused by Middle East conflict. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted naphtha supplies—an oil-derived component essential for making plastic medical goods including syringes. South Korea implemented a ban this month limiting companies to holding no more than 150% of last year's average monthly sales volume in syringes for five days or longer. One distributor was found with excess inventory of about 130,000 units for over five days. Over half of South Korea's naphtha imports pass through the strait. President Lee Jae Myung pledged 'strongest possible action' against profiteering during crises, while the country secured alternative naphtha supplies from Saudi Arabia and Oman.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/28/s-korea-probes-syringe-hoarding-as-war-hits-plastic-makers/