Dong Thap Takes Proactive Measures to Ensure Fuel Supply

(DTO) Since early March 2026, armed conflicts in the Middle East have significantly impacted the global fuel supply, leading to considerable fluctuations in domestic petrol and oil prices. In response, Dong Thap province has proactively implemented a range of solutions to secure local supplies and meet the demands for production, business operations, and the daily needs of both residents and enterprises.

PROACTIVE SOLUTIONS

In recent days, fuel prices have climbed compared to late February 2026. Beyond rising costs, supply volatility has led some retail stations to cap purchase quantities per customer.

Mr. N. V. T., Director of a Company specializing in transport and irrigation infrastructure in Trung An Ward, Dong Thap, shared that his company has struggled to procure fuel for ongoing construction projects. To maintain operations, the firm has had to source fuel from multiple suppliers, often facing purchase limits. These supply constraints, coupled with surging prices, have significantly driven up operational costs.

According to a fuel distributor in Dong Thap, supply was extremely tight in previous days. At certain points, enterprises had to import fuel at prices higher than the market rate, "bracing" for losses to maintain sales. However, by March 11, the supply had fundamentally stabilized. Businesses are no longer incurring losses and are receiving a commission discount of nearly 2,000 VND per liter.

According to the Dong Thap Department of Industry and Trade, the complex international political and security situation—particularly the escalating conflict in the Middle East—has impacted the global energy market, directly affecting fuel supply and prices. This has had a certain impact on the domestic fuel business in general and within Dong Thap specifically, particularly regarding supply, retail prices, and market sentiment.

However, to date, the fuel supply in Dong Thap Province remains essentially guaranteed. Currently, the province has 2 major wholesalers, 10 distributors, and 1,054 retail stations. This network is distributed across communes and wards, meeting the consumption, production, and goods circulation needs of local residents and enterprises.

Over the past period, the supply to retail stations has remained stable without any shortages. According to the Provincial Market Management Bureau, retail stations are operating normally, maintaining continuous sales, and complying with regulations on price listing and selling at listed prices.

Nevertheless, reports from several distributors indicate cases where individuals have purchased sudden, large quantities of fuel using cans and drums. In these instances, staff have encouraged citizens to buy only enough for their daily needs or travel schedules to share fuel resources and maintain operational hours.

The Department of Industry and Trade has closely monitored domestic and international fuel market developments to promptly advise the Provincial People’s Committee on directing sectors, localities, and enterprises to implement supply guarantee solutions. Simultaneously, the Industry and Trade sector has requested wholesalers, distributors, and retail station networks to develop inventory preparation plans to ensure continuous market supply and prevent any supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, the Department has strengthened the inspection and supervision of fuel business activities, directing the Market Management force to coordinate with localities to monitor market conditions and promptly detect and handle violations such as hoarding, price gouging, or unauthorized business suspension.

The Department is also coordinating with localities to propagate and mobilize the public against stockpiling fuel, encouraging residents to purchase only for essential needs to ensure fire safety and contribute to market stability. Additionally, Dong Thap has announced a hotline to receive feedback and reports related to fuel business operations.

CLOSELY MONITORING MARKET DEVELOPMENTS

To ensure fuel supply, in addition to the involvement of functional agencies, petroleum enterprises and distributors have also proactively implemented solutions.

In recent times, Dong Thap Petroleum Trading JSC (Petimex) has consistently maintained statutory inventory levels in accordance with State regulations to ensure continuous supply for the system registered with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (depending on actual consumption rates) during periods of market scarcity. The enterprise’s strength lies in its proactive diversification and flexibility of supply sources to maintain stability. For domestic production, the unit prioritizes sourcing from the Nghi Son and Binh Son refineries. These are stable supply sources that help minimize international transport risks. Simultaneously, the enterprise maintains import contracts with reputable partners in Southeast Asia and globally.

Mr. Le Thanh Man, General Director of Dong Thap Petroleum Trading JSC, informed: “In the coming time, the unit will closely monitor developments by requiring the business department to update market information 24/7 to adjust import plans accordingly. We are also coordinating closely with transport units to prioritize the movement of goods to key areas. 

In the event of a sudden spike in market demand, we have prepared specific response scenarios to prioritize supply for our directly-managed retail network and customers registered within the system under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, ensuring no store closures occur. Additionally, the enterprise has arranged shifts at terminals and retail stores to maximize service for the people, determined to prevent any fuel shortages within our managed areas.”

Ms. Vo Phuong Thuy, Director of the Dong Thap Department of Industry and Trade, stated: "In the coming period, the provincial Industry and Trade sector will intensify the supervision of fuel business activities across the province. The Department continues to direct the Market Management Bureau to strengthen its monitoring of the local fuel business situation, ensuring the timely inspection and handling of any organizations found committing legal violations.

The Industry and Trade sector will regularly work with wholesalers and distributors to grasp the supply situation, promptly resolve difficulties, and guarantee the supply for the retail store network. Simultaneously, we will provide timely advice to the Provincial People's Committee and the Ministry of Industry and Trade on market management solutions when necessary, particularly if the international situation continues to evolve in a complex manner."

By NAM PHONG - ANH THU
Translated by X.QUANG