SEOUL — South Korea will implement a ban on the stockpiling of medical syringes and needles to prevent disruptions in hospital supplies, starting Tuesday (April 14), as announced by the finance ministry.

Last week, authorities met with manufacturers of syringes and needles to evaluate their current inventory and explore strategies to ramp up production amid supply concerns stemming from the conflict in Iran, according to the industry ministry.

Disruptions in oil and petrochemical flows have led to increased plastic prices, which are essential for medical supplies and packaging, raising concerns about stockpiling and availability.