Vietnam Prime Minister orders petroleum distribution reform

Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng has called for a substantive restructuring of Vietnam’s petroleum distribution system to ensure national energy security and economic stability.

During a meeting with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant agencies, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to minimize intermediate steps in the supply chain. The goal is to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and prevent market fluctuations or supply shortages. The proposed reforms include reorganizing importers, distributors, and retailers, while shifting from pre-inspection to post-inspection mechanisms.

The Prime Minister noted that the current system faces challenges such as excessive intermediaries, limited sourcing capacity among many wholesalers, and instances of hoarding or smuggling. The restructuring aims to create a more transparent, competitive market under state management, ensuring a steady supply in all circumstances.