Vietnam encourages remote work to conserve fuel amid supply disruptions from Iran war

Vietnam’s trade ministry has urged businesses to allow employees to work from home where possible as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption amid supply disruptions and sharp price increases triggered by the war involving Iran.

Vietnam has been among the countries most affected by the fuel supply disruptions since the US-Israeli war on Iran began, as it relies heavily on energy imports from the Middle East, the government said in a statement on Tuesday, citing a report by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Businesses should “encourage work-from-home arrangements whenever possible to reduce travel and transportation needs,” the statement said.

Fuel prices in the Southeast Asian nation have surged, with gasoline rising 32 percent, diesel 56 percent and kerosene 80 percent since the end of last month, according to data from leading fuel trader Petrolimex.

Long queues of cars and motorbikes were seen at petrol stations in the capital Hanoi on Tuesday.

The ministry also urged businesses and individuals not to hoard or speculate on fuel supplies, according to the statement.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held phone conversations on Monday with his counterparts in Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to secure fuel and crude oil supplies.

Vietnam also decided on Monday to suspend import tariffs on fuel until the end of April.