Gasoline shortages continue in the south
In this article (5)
Gasoline stations remain shut in southern localities, including HCMC, due to a short supply despite authorities’ assurances to the contrary.
As of Thursday afternoon, seven out of HCMC’s 548 gas stations did not have stocks of the popular RON 95 gasoline to sell, according to the city Department of Industry and Trade.
In Long An Province, several remained closed, while others limit sales, selling to customers only half of what they order.
In Vinh Long Province, authorities have found some gas stations with empty tanks and waiting for delivery from suppliers.
One outlet in Soc Trang Province’s An Lac Tay Commune was found not selling despite having 7,000 liters of the E5 RON 92 biofuel.
Its manager claimed he was not selling yet because the stock had just arrived.
Le Viet Long, a deputy inspector at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said the reason was dubious and authorities are investigating further to slap possible penalties.
A gas shortage has been reported in the south due to the reduced capacity of Vietnam’s biggest refinery, Nghi Son, though officials have said there is enough to fully meet demand in February.
Trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien said Wednesday gas stations found not selling despite having stocks would have their license revoked.
The retail price of RON 95 has increased by nearly 4.6 percent to VND24,360 ($1.07) per liter this year.
On Friday that could increase to 8.9 percent.
The prices in Vietnam are determined by the government on the 1st, 11th and 21st day of each month.
Questions & Answers
Q.What percentage of HCMC's gas stations were out of RON 95 on Thursday afternoon?
What percentage of HCMC's gas stations were out of RON 95 on Thursday afternoon?
Seven out of HCMC’s 548 gas stations did not have stocks of RON 95 gasoline. This indicates a small proportion of stations in the city were affected by the shortage of the popular fuel.
Q.Why has there been a reported gas shortage in the south?
Why has there been a reported gas shortage in the south?
A gas shortage has been reported in the south due to the reduced capacity of Vietnam’s biggest refinery, Nghi Son. However, officials have stated there is enough fuel to meet demand in February.
Q.What action will be taken against gas stations that have stock but are not selling?
What action will be taken against gas stations that have stock but are not selling?
Trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien stated that gas stations found not selling despite having stocks would have their license revoked. Authorities are also investigating a manager who claimed new stock had just arrived.
Q.How much has the price of RON 95 gasoline increased this year?
How much has the price of RON 95 gasoline increased this year?
The retail price of RON 95 has increased by nearly 4.6 percent this year to VND24,360 ($1.07) per liter. It was projected to potentially increase to 8.9 percent on Friday.
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