Vietnam Urges Remote Work Amid Fuel Shortage

Vietnam has urged companies to allow employees to work from home as the country faces fuel supply disruptions and rising energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The government said in a statement Tuesday, citing a report by the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, that Vietnam has been among the countries most affected by fuel supply disruptions since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran.

Authorities called on businesses to encourage remote work whenever possible in order to reduce travel and transportation needs, thereby easing fuel consumption.

Data from Petrolimex, the country’s largest fuel distributor, showed sharp price increases across energy products since the end of last month. Gasoline prices have risen by 32 percent, diesel by 56 percent and kerosene by 80 percent.

Long queues of cars and motorbikes were reported outside fuel stations in Hanoi on Tuesday as drivers rushed to secure supplies.

The ministry also warned companies and consumers against hoarding or speculating in fuel amid the ongoing shortages.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held phone calls Monday with leaders of Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates in an effort to secure additional fuel and crude oil supplies.

In a separate measure, Vietnam announced the temporary removal of import tariffs on fuel, a policy that will remain in effect until the end of April as the government seeks to stabilize domestic energy supplies.