Vietnamese consumers are questioning why falling fuel costs have yet to translate into lower prices at markets and eateries.

Vietnam has increased its fuel reserves from 15 to approximately 26 days as part of efforts to enhance energy security amid global uncertainties, according to Le Manh Hung, Minister of Industry and Trade.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has introduced new regulations detailing how the petrol price stabilisation fund will be advanced, managed and repaid.

In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam imported a total of 6.49 million tonnes of crude oil and petroleum products. Notably, imports of refined fuel in March surged sharply, reaching 1.19 million tonnes with a value of US$1.42 billion.

Experts propose mobilizing private sector resources to help Vietnam achieve a strategic 90-day fuel reserve target.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed extending the application of a zero percent preferential import tax on certain fuel products in a bid to stabilize supply amid continued volatility in the global energy market.

Vietnamese authorities are stepping up enforcement measures to combat illegal fuel collection and cross-border transport, as domestic prices remain lower than in neighboring countries, creating opportunities for illicit profit.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed a mechanism to allow advances from the State budget to the fuel price stabilisation fund, aiming to cushion volatility in domestic fuel prices, according to a draft decree.

From this April, fuel enterprises will begin expanding the sale of E10 gasoline at filling stations nationwide, gradually replacing mineral gasoline.

Rising tensions in the Middle East are disrupting sea routes, forcing businesses to rethink logistics and absorb soaring costs.

Authorities are rolling out coordinated measures to safeguard supply, control prices and respond to global fluctuations.

E10 gasoline is expected to be rolled out throughout the country beginning in April, replacing mineral gasoline. Tens of millions of motorbikes and cars will shift to use the biofuel.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has temporarily suspended the use of kerosene in the calculation of fuel base price until April 28, according to the ministry’s Decision 571, dated March 28.

Vietnam’s aviation industry is being forced into rapid adaptation as jet fuel prices surge far beyond initial projections, pushing airlines to rethink everything from fleet operations to ticket pricing.

“Another two price hikes and we may have to reprint everything,” a transport business owner in Hanoi texted, attaching a photo of a freshly printed fare sheet.

Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC (NSRP) has secured sufficient crude oil to ensure operations at optimal capacity through the end of May, while Dung Quat Refinery is running at 120 percent capacity to boost domestic supply.

Major petroleum enterprises all say they have the infrastructure for blending and distributing E10 gasoline, a new type of gasoline expected to be widely sold nationwide starting from early April.

Amid rapid response measures, proactive solutions and flexible policymaking, Vietnam has managed to secure its fuel supply, effectively addressing disruptions and maintaining the continuity of economic activities.

Domestic fuel prices were adjusted upward by VND3,528–8,994 per liter/kg on the night of March 19, reaching the highest level on record in the country.