Vietnam implements fuel-saving measures as energy costs surge Promotes work from home

Vietnam has urged businesses and the public to conserve fuel and reduce travel as the country grapples with surging energy prices and supply disruptions triggered by the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.

In a statement issued on March 10, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam called on companies to encourage employees to work from home where possible in order to cut private vehicle use and reduce fuel consumption.

The ministry said the measure was part of broader fuel-saving efforts amid severe supply disruptions and rising energy costs directly linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

Vietnamese authorities warned that the country is among those hardest hit by fuel shortages because it relies heavily on energy imports from the region. As a result, the government is urging businesses to support remote work where appropriate to reduce commuting and transportation demand.

The ministry also recommended that companies improve logistics systems to limit empty vehicle trips and accelerate the development of renewable energy sources.

For the general public, the government called for cooperation in reducing private car use, encouraging people to share rides with others travelling along similar routes or switch to public transportation. Citizens were also advised to adopt fuel-saving habits such as turning off engines during long idling periods, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration, and using biofuels, including E5 biofuel and E10 biofuel.

Data from Petrolimex, Vietnam’s largest fuel distributor, shows that since the end of last month, gasoline prices in the country have increased by 32 per cent, while diesel prices have surged by 56 per cent and kerosene by 80 per cent.

The sharp increases have already affected daily life, with long lines of cars and motorcycles forming at fuel stations in the capital, Hanoi.

At the same time, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has held urgent talks with leaders of Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to secure reliable deliveries of crude oil and fuel supplies for Vietnam.

In particular, he negotiated with Kuwait’s prime minister to ensure continuous crude oil shipments to the country.

To ease the pressure on the domestic market, the government has also decided to exempt import taxes on all fuel types until the end of April.

Authorities have additionally urged businesses and consumers to “refrain from hoarding or speculating” on fuel and warned against panic buying. Citizens were asked to report any illegal practices at gas stations, including unjustified service suspensions or selling fuel above regulated prices.

Vietnam’s estimated fuel demand for 2025 is about 28.6 million cubic meters. Although the country operates two domestic refineries — Nghi Son Refinery and Binh Son Refinery — it still relies heavily on imported fuel.

Global oil markets have also been under pressure. Prices of crude oil have risen by more than 60 percent since the start of the year, surpassing $100 per barrel. Analysts warn the price could climb as high as $140 if the crisis continues.

To cushion the initial impact, the Vietnamese government has already mobilized about 4 million barrels of oil reserves from partners.

By Tamilla Hasanova