South Korea boosts coal power as LNG crisis deepens

South Korea, the world's third-largest LNG buyer, is increasing coal-fired generation for winter due to soaring spot LNG prices and disrupted Middle Eastern deliveries, including Qatari supply. This reverses its decarbonization trajectory and highlights the energy-security impact of the Middle East crisis on Asian importers. The shift underscores the trade-off between energy affordability and climate commitments.