Passenger transport fares may increase as gasoline prices rise

On March 8, Lao Dong Newspaper reporters surveyed ticket prices on some routes from Hanoi to the Northwest provinces. According to records, many transport units said they are calculating plans to adjust fares to ensure operational maintenance.

Mr. Pham Van Tuan - Director of Ngan Ha bus company (running the Lai Chau - Sa Pa - Lao Cai - My Dinh route) said that the unit currently has about 20 vehicles, with ticket prices ranging from 350,000 - 500,000 VND/trip depending on the type of vehicle.

According to Mr. Tuan, although gasoline and oil prices have increased sharply, businesses have not yet adjusted freight rates. However, if it increases, the adjustment level may be about 10–12%.

In the context of high fuel costs, if gasoline prices continue to increase, businesses will be forced to adjust fares accordingly to compensate for operating costs. In addition, passengers who are children under 6 years old may no longer be exempt from fares as before," Mr. Tuan shared.

Similarly, Mr. Le Dinh Dung - owner of Le Dung passenger car company with 19 vehicles running the Dien Bien - Hanoi route - informed that the unit is listing a ticket price of 550,000 VND/trip.

According to Mr. Dung, currently businesses still maintain the same ticket price, but if fuel costs continue to increase, ticket prices may have to be adjusted up by 20–30%.

“Slope roads in the Northwest region consume more fuel than the delta route. When gasoline and oil prices increase sharply, businesses are forced to calculate to adjust prices to compensate for input costs,” Mr. Dung said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Do Van Bang - Director of Minh Thanh Phat Company, the unit operating 30 vehicles running the Sa Pa - Hanoi route - shared that the company still maintains the ticket price at 400,000 VND/trip and has not adjusted it up.

We still have to monitor the developments of gasoline and oil prices and wait for opinions from state management agencies. If fuel prices continue to increase, businesses will be forced to adjust ticket prices to compensate for operating costs," Mr. Bang said.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Kien Trung - Director of Hoa Binh Transport Service Co., Ltd. Branch said that the ticket price for the Hanoi - Hoa Binh route is currently still maintained at 60,000 VND/trip.

According to Mr. Trung, with the current gasoline and oil prices, transport businesses are having to subsidize losses. If this situation persists, businesses will have to calculate plans to adjust fares to ensure operations.