Guidance and coordination are needed for effective implementation.
The Ministry of Public Security is drafting a Decree on administrative sanctions for violations in the fields of fire prevention, fire fighting, and rescue.
Among them, there is a proposal to sharply increase the fine for violations of fire safety in prohibited areas. Carrying and using a phone at a gas station could result in a fine of 3-7 million VND, instead of the current 300-500 thousand VND.
This proposal received approval considering the risk of fire and explosion at gas stations, where there are many factors that can easily cause fire and explosion, and the risk of sparks from phones. Mr. Hoang Van Tung (Hoai Duc, Hanoi) shared: "I think this regulation is very necessary to ensure safety for everyone. To avoid misunderstandings, gas stations need to arrange clearer signs about areas where phone use is prohibited."
Mr. Tran Minh Tu (Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi) raised the question: "If we are not allowed to bring our phones into the gas station, where will we leave them? If we leave them outside, we are afraid of theft. Is there a place to store them at the gas station? There needs to be clearer instructions to avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience."
Another concern comes from the habit of using phones for payment. Ms. Tran Thi Hanh (Thanh Xuan, Hanoi) said: "I often use my phone to scan QR codes to pay at gas stations. If phones are banned, I will have to go back to using cash, which is more inconvenient. Maybe we need to divide the areas where phones are allowed to be used to support payment."
Businesses propose practical solutions
Regarding petroleum businesses, expressing his opinion on the draft regulation, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Chung - Deputy Head of Business Department of Mipec Petroleum Company - affirmed: "We fully support the goal of ensuring fire safety, but to implement it effectively, more detailed instructions are needed for businesses and customers."
Mr. Chung explained that currently, most customers use their phones to pay via electronic applications. “About 70% of transactions at our store system are cashless payments. If we completely ban the use of phones, we need to have alternative payment solutions such as support devices or separate areas for phone users."
Responding to customers' concerns about where to leave their phones when buying gas, Mr. Chung said: "Gas stations can arrange temporary areas to store phones, but this requires investment costs. Moreover, if customers refuse to leave their phones or if a dispute arises, we cannot handle it thoroughly."
One solution Chung suggested is to separate prohibited and safe areas at gas stations. “For example, only prohibit the use of phones in the gas pump area but allow them in the waiting or payment areas. This is both flexible and does not disrupt modern transactions."
Mr. Chung also emphasized the role of signs at gas stations. “Currently, signs prohibiting the use of mobile phones are quite small and easy to miss. It is necessary to install larger signs that are easier to recognize and clearly inform customers about the penalty level so that customers are more aware."
According to experts, coordination between authorities, businesses and people is needed. Along with sanctions, authorities should focus on propaganda and raising public awareness. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Chung shared: "We really need the support of management agencies in disseminating regulations and supporting practical solutions. When people clearly understand the risks of fire and explosion and voluntarily comply, the regulations will be most effective."
