On April 4, at the regular Government meeting in March 2026, Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung said that one of the biggest difficulties currently comes from the complicated developments in the Middle East.
Faced with this situation, the operating agency has developed 2 response scenarios with the priority goal of ensuring energy security and controlling the impact of prices on the macroeconomy.
Up to now, the basic scenarios have taken place according to forecasts, helping the domestic economy avoid major shocks in supply and prices.
To respond to fluctuations, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade said that the Government has simultaneously implemented 5 groups of solutions.
One is to improve mechanisms and policies with a series of resolutions and decrees issued in a timely manner, creating a legal corridor for flexible management.
Two is to increase domestic supply. Refinery and petrochemical plants are optimized for operation, product structure is adjusted towards energy priority. Two ethanol plants in Dong Nai and Dung Quat operate at full capacity, contributing to raising the self-sufficiency rate by about 14%.
Oil and gas production has also been increased by more than 11%, while processing facilities such as Phu My condensate plant have been restored.
Three is to manage prices according to a flexible mechanism, closely following the market but avoiding shock. Instead of sudden adjustments, prices are managed according to "stakes", combined with the Price Stabilization Fund to reduce impact on people and businesses.
Fourth, strictly control the distribution system. The minimum inventory regulation of 20 days is strictly implemented, helping to prevent hoarding and speculation. To date, no widespread closure or sale suspension has been recorded.
Finally, increase reserves.
Mr. Le Manh Hung emphasized: "While many countries in the region are falling into an energy crisis, Vietnam still maintains relative stability.
In Thailand, gasoline prices have risen to more than 51,000 VND/liter, while diesel is about 47,000 VND/liter. Some countries such as Laos and Cambodia recorded the situation of closing many gas stations, while the Philippines declared a difficult situation.
In developed economies, businesses even recommend that workers work remotely to reduce travel demand.
In that context, Vietnam not only ensures supply but also maintains a price lower than the world average by about 1.3 USD/liter, lower than even countries sharing a common border.
According to reported data, by the end of March, Vietnam's total gasoline and oil supply was guaranteed to be stable. Management agencies predict that the situation can be well controlled.
Despite achieving many positive results, management agencies still noted that the economy is facing many difficulties. That is the large dependence on imported energy, domestic demand has not recovered strongly and unpredictable fluctuations from outside are factors that may affect growth in the coming time.
Therefore, the synchronous implementation of solutions, from ensuring energy, industrial restructuring to stimulating consumer demand, will play a decisive role in maintaining macroeconomic stability.
In the difficult context, timely management and close coordination between ministries and sectors have helped the economy maintain stability. However, we cannot be subjective to the challenges ahead," emphasized the Acting Minister of Industry and Trade.
