Vietnam’s government has called on businesses to adopt work-from-home arrangements to help conserve fuel as the country grapples with supply disruptions and soaring energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry of Industry and Trade urged companies to minimise travel by encouraging remote work where possible. The ministry also warned businesses and individuals against hoarding or speculating on fuel supplies as the situation tightens.
Vietnam, which depends heavily on energy imports from the Middle East, has been among the countries most affected by the conflict. Authorities say reducing transportation demand is a practical step to ease pressure on the nation’s limited fuel supply.
Fuel prices have surged sharply since the end of last month. Data from state fuel trader Petrolimex shows gasoline prices rising by 32 per cent, diesel by 56 per cent, and kerosene by 80 per cent.
The crisis has already triggered visible disruptions, with long queues of cars and motorbikes forming at petrol stations in the capital Hanoi on Tuesday as motorists rushed to secure fuel.
To stabilise supply, the government has moved quickly on diplomatic and fiscal fronts. Prime Minister Pham Minh Minh held phone discussions with leaders from Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to secure additional crude oil and fuel shipments.
Vietnam has also temporarily removed import tariffs on fuels until the end of April in a bid to ease the cost of sourcing new supplies and help stabilise the domestic market.
