Gasoline shortages continue in the south

As of Thursday afternoon, seven out of HCMC’s 548 gas stations did not have stocks of the popular RON 95 gasoline to sell, according to the city Department of Industry and Trade.

In Long An Province, several remained closed, while others limit sales, selling to customers only half of what they order.

In Vinh Long Province, authorities have found some gas stations with empty tanks and waiting for delivery from suppliers.

Some had stocks but still did not sell.

One outlet in Soc Trang Province’s An Lac Tay Commune was found not selling despite having 7,000 liters of the E5 RON 92 biofuel.

Its manager claimed he was not selling yet because the stock had just arrived.

Le Viet Long, a deputy inspector at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said the reason was dubious and authorities are investigating further to slap possible penalties.

A gas shortage has been reported in the south due to the reduced capacity of Vietnam’s biggest refinery, Nghi Son, though officials have said there is enough to fully meet demand in February.

Trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien said Wednesday gas stations found not selling despite having stocks would have their license revoked.

The retail price of RON 95 has increased by nearly 4.6 percent to VND24,360 ($1.07) per liter this year.

On Friday that could increase to 8.9 percent.

The prices in Vietnam are determined by the government on the 1st, 11th and 21st day of each month.