This is not a new phenomenon, but it is becoming more sophisticated and dangerous, requiring each citizen to raise their vigilance and clearly identify the nature of the problem so as not to unintentionally contribute to false information.
When gasoline prices become an "excuse" to be exploited
Reality shows that every time gasoline and oil prices increase sharply, especially during sensitive periods such as geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East or broken global supply chains, dense inferences and accusations appear on social networking platforms.
Subjects often use familiar tricks: Impersonating "experts", "people in the industry", or "people who care for the poor" to make one-sided judgments. The common content is to argue that the State "loosens management", "willingly increases prices", or even attributes the adjustment of gasoline and oil prices to "compensating for budget losses" or serving group interests.
More dangerously, they also deliberately compare Vietnamese gasoline and oil prices with countries with large oil reserves or special subsidies, completely ignoring factors such as taxes, transportation costs, reserves and market structure.
These inappropriate comparisons easily cause misunderstandings. It is not difficult to recognize the goal of these arguments: Turning a purely economic issue into a socio-political issue, thereby creating a psychology of frustration and division of trust between the people and the State.
To correctly recognize the issue, it is necessary to clearly affirm: Petroleum is a global commodity, directly affected by the international market. Vietnam cannot stand outside this rule.
Domestic gasoline and oil prices are managed according to a market mechanism with state management, closely following world developments. Retail prices are not "determined arbitrarily", but are composed of many factors such as: import prices or domestic production costs, transportation costs, reserves, taxes, fees and provisions according to regulations.
In the context of sharply increasing world oil prices, if there are no regulatory tools, domestic gasoline prices may increase even higher than reality.
One of the important tools is the Gasoline and Oil Price Stabilization Fund. This is not a "private pocket" of any business or organization, but a financial mechanism designed to limit price shocks. When world prices increase sharply, the fund is used to partially offset costs, helping to reduce domestic price pressure.
Intentionally distorting this fund as "picking people's pockets" is actually swapping concepts, ignoring the regulatory nature to protect consumers themselves.
Identifying tricks
The worrying point is that distorted arguments are increasingly being "disguised" cleverly. Instead of directly attacking, many articles choose to put the issue in a "seemingly reasonable" way, interspersed with right and wrong information, making it difficult for readers to distinguish. Especially, many subjects only cut information, only present a part of the truth to guide perceptions; using data of unclear origin or outdated.
Even, some accounts call for negative behaviors such as stockpiling gasoline and oil, causing market disruption, posing a potential risk of insecurity and social safety.
In the context of multi-dimensional information, each citizen is the first "shield" to protect themselves and the community from fake news and bad news.
First of all, it is necessary to form a habit of verifying information. Do not rush to believe, do not rush to share content of unclear origin, especially articles that are provocative and accusatory.
People should prioritize accessing information from sources such as official newspapers, electronic information portals of ministries, branches, and localities. These are verified channels that are responsible and under the management of the law.
Besides, it is necessary to understand the economic nature of the issue correctly. The increase in gasoline and oil prices is not a separate phenomenon of Vietnam, but a general trend of the globe when the energy market fluctuates. "Blawing blame" on the operating agency in all cases is a one-sided view.
More importantly, each citizen needs to be responsible for the common information environment. When detecting incorrect content, they can report and reflect to functional agencies or platform management units for timely handling.
Reality has proven that in all fluctuations, the State always proactively implements many solutions to minimize impacts on people, uses regulatory tools, ensures supply and market stability. These are long-term efforts in maintaining macroeconomic stability and ensuring social security. Meanwhile, distorted rhetoric often only targets immediate emotions, exploiting frustration to achieve political goals.
Gasoline and oil prices may rise or fall according to the market, but the important thing is to maintain faith, be alert to false information and accompany correct policies. Solidarity and social consensus are the most solid "shield" to overcome all difficulties.
