Vietnam’s trade ministry on Tuesday urged businesses across the country to encourage employees to work from home to help reduce fuel consumption as global supply disruptions linked to the Iran war drive up energy prices.
The government said Vietnam has been among the countries most affected by the supply shock because it relies heavily on energy imports from the Middle East.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, businesses should promote remote work where possible to cut travel and transportation demand during the current fuel strain.
Fuel prices have surged sharply in recent weeks, with gasoline rising by 32%, diesel by 56% and kerosene by 80% since the end of last month, data from state fuel trader Petrolimex showed.
The rising costs and limited supply have led to long queues of cars and motorbikes at petrol stations in the capital, Hanoi.
Authorities also warned businesses and consumers against hoarding or speculating on fuel, stressing the need to stabilise the domestic market.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has been seeking alternative fuel supplies, holding phone calls on Monday with leaders in Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
In a further effort to ease the pressure, Vietnam’s government also decided to temporarily remove import tariffs on fuel.
The tariff suspension will remain in effect until the end of April as officials try to secure additional crude oil and fuel shipments.
The measures aim to stabilise fuel availability, control price spikes and limit the economic impact of the widening Middle East conflict.