原油供应可能中断担忧加剧，韩国多地现垃圾袋“抢购潮”

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing tensions in the Middle East have led to a surge in demand for garbage bags in South Korea, prompting concerns over the supply of polyethylene, a key raw material derived from crude oil [1][2][3]. Group 1: Supply and Demand Dynamics - South Korean citizens are experiencing a "panic buying" trend for garbage bags due to fears of a potential shortage of polyethylene, which is processed from naphtha extracted from crude oil [2][3]. - The South Korean government has stated that the current inventory of garbage bags is sufficient, with an average supply that can last over three months across 228 local governments, and some having reserves that can last more than six months [2][3]. - The government plans to classify garbage bags as a "core controlled item" and will form a joint task force with local governments to monitor supply and demand [3]. Group 2: Production Capacity and Future Outlook - The production capacity for recycled materials can produce approximately 1.83 billion garbage bags, exceeding the 1.78 billion bags sold nationwide last year, indicating that production can continue for over a year even if raw material supply is completely interrupted [3]. - Currently, about 55% of South Korea's naphtha demand is produced domestically, while 45% is imported, raising concerns for companies heavily reliant on imported naphtha due to potential supply disruptions from the Middle East [3]. - The South Korean government announced a restriction on naphtha exports starting from the 27th, aiming to safeguard domestic supply amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions [3].