The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued Circular No. 19/2026/TT-BCT, setting out detailed regulations on advancing funds from the state budget to the petrol price stabilisation fund, as well as rules on fund contributions and repayment.

The circular is built on existing legal frameworks and government directives, aiming to ensure fuel supply and maintain price stability under evolving market conditions.

It specifies in detail the process for advancing funds from the state budget. For the first advance, the amount is calculated based on fuel sales volume over the preceding seven days and the approved spending level of the fund.

Subsequent advances may be carried out on a weekly basis or when necessary, depending on the amount already spent in the previous operating period and the current fund balance. In cases where the requested amount exceeds the standard level, businesses must provide a clear explanation.

During fund utilisation, total spending in each operating period is determined by multiplying the announced spending rate by actual consumption volume. At the same time, contributions to the fund must be completed within five working days after each operating cycle.

Regarding repayment to the state budget, the circular stipulates that recovery will be based on independent audit results. Within 90 days of receiving a request, businesses are required to complete audits and submit reports. Within five working days of notification by the authorities, the entire remaining fund balance must be returned to the state budget.

If, after 12 months, sufficient funds are still not available for repayment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to report to the Government for further consideration.

The circular also assigns clear responsibilities to relevant entities. The Domestic Market Management and Development Agency is tasked with organising implementation, monitoring operations, publishing periodic data on the fund and inspecting business compliance.

Key petroleum traders must strictly comply with regulations on contributions, spending and repayment. They are responsible for the accuracy of data and reporting, and are required to disclose fund information on a monthly and semi-annual basis.

The document also sets out penalties for violations, including inaccurate reporting, delayed repayment or failure to comply with regulations.

The circular took effect on April 3, 2026.

Previously, the Government issued Resolution No. 69/NQ-CP on implementing advances to the petrol price stabilisation fund from increased central budget revenue in 2025.

Under this resolution, the Government approved an additional allocation of VND8,000 billion (approximately US$320 million) in the 2026 state budget for the Ministry of Industry and Trade, sourced from higher-than-expected central budget revenue in 2025, to be used as advances for the fund following a proposal from the Ministry of Finance.

Tam An