The Vietnamese government has urged local companies to encourage workers to work from home as part of a fuel-saving measure amid global energy supply disruptions caused by the Iran conflict.
Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade said the country was among the hardest hit since the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran broke out. This situation is happening because Vietnam is heavily dependent on energy imports from the Middle East.
In an official statement on Tuesday, the ministry urged businesses to reduce travel and transportation needs by expanding the practice of working from home where possible.
The pressure on energy supplies has also caused fuel prices to surge in the Southeast Asian country.
Data from major fuel company Petrolimex showed that gasoline prices have increased by about 32%, while diesel has jumped 56% and kerosene has risen by up to 80% since the end of last month.
The situation has also sparked panic with long lines of vehicles reported queuing at several gas stations in the capital, Hanoi.
The ministry also warned businesses and the public not to hoard or speculate on fuel supplies as such actions could further worsen market conditions.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Minh reportedly contacted the leaders of Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on Monday to seek assurances on crude oil supplies and additional fuel.
As an immediate measure, the Vietnamese government has also decided to temporarily eliminate import tariffs on fuel. The move will be in effect until the end of April to help stabilize domestic energy supplies and prices.
