Domestic gas prices
According to records on the afternoon of April 15, domestic retail gas prices continued to maintain a high level after the adjustment increase from the beginning of April, although some slight fluctuations appeared in each region.
In the Northern region, the price of a 12kg gas cylinder in Hanoi is at 629,208 VND, while a 48kg cylinder holds at 2,516,832 VND. In Hai Phong, the price is still higher, with a 12kg cylinder about 638,928 VND and a 48kg cylinder reaching 2,540,160 VND.
In the Central region, gas prices in Da Nang are commonly around 596,000 VND/12kg cylinder. Prices in localities may vary depending on transportation costs and distribution systems.
According to LPG businesses, after the adjustment on April 1, the current gas price level is basically stable but still anchored in the high zone compared to the previous period, reflecting pressure from the developments of the world energy market.
Domestic gas prices by brand
Domestic retail gas prices today continue to be stable for many brands, with no changes recorded compared to the session on April 14.
Petrolimex gas is listed at 629. 208 VND/12kg cylinder and 2,516.832 VND/48kg cylinder (industrial type).
At the Saigon Petro system, the price of a 12kg gas cylinder is 654,500 VND, while a 45kg cylinder is sold for 2,455,000 VND.
Similarly, Pacific Petro listed the price of a 12kg cylinder at about 650,000 VND and a 45kg cylinder at 2,408,000 VND, unchanged compared to recent sessions.
For PV GAS, the selling price varies between regions. In Hanoi, a 12kg cylinder is 610,200 VND and a 45kg cylinder is 2,288,250 VND. Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City, the prices are 640,081 VND/12kg cylinder and 2,400,259 VND/45kg cylinder respectively.
LNG supply disruption makes energy prices difficult to reduce
Explaining why domestic energy prices remain high, experts say the main reason comes from disruptions to the global LNG supply chain. Data from Bloomberg shows that LNG shipments to Asia fell below 600,000 tons last weekend - the lowest level since 2020, when energy demand declined due to the pandemic.
One of the key factors is the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz due to geopolitical tensions, directly affecting LNG flows from major suppliers such as Qatar and the UAE. In addition, Qatar's production capacity was also affected after attacks targeting the Ras Laffan complex, forcing QatarEnergy to declare force majeure for some contracts.
This development has narrowed global supply, while putting pressure on major import markets. In Asia, LNG delivered to China and India recorded a downward trend, of about 30% and 20% respectively compared to the same period.
Under pressure from shortages, many countries are forced to adjust their energy structure. Japan is cutting production at some gas-fired power plants, while South Korea is easing restrictions on coal-fired power to reduce dependence on LNG.
Along with that, increased demand for spot goods has pushed LNG prices in Asia to increase sharply in a short time. This high price level is spreading to import markets, including Vietnam.
Although there have been solutions to diversify supply sources and strengthen the exploitation of domestic gas sources, pressure from world energy prices is still the dominant factor. In the context that import and transportation costs have not cooled down, domestic energy prices are forecast to be unlikely to decrease deeply in the short term and are likely to continue to be maintained in high areas.
