Vietnam Announces Work-From-Home as Fuel Shortages Deepen After Strait of Hormuz Disruption

The government of Vietnam has urged businesses to allow employees to work from home as the country grapples with worsening fuel shortages and rising energy prices linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement released Tuesday, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade called on companies to reduce unnecessary travel by encouraging remote work whenever possible. Officials said the move is part of a broader effort to conserve fuel as supply chains remain strained following the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Vietnam is among the countries most affected by the disruption because it relies heavily on imported energy from the Middle East. With shipments slowed and prices surging globally, the government is now taking steps to manage domestic demand and stabilize supply.

Authorities said businesses should actively support remote work arrangements in order to cut down on daily commuting and reduce fuel consumption for transportation. The ministry also warned companies and individuals against hoarding fuel or engaging in speculative buying, which could worsen shortages.

The impact of the crisis is already being felt across the country. Data from Petrolimex shows that gasoline prices have climbed by about 32 percent since the end of last month. Diesel prices have jumped even more sharply, rising by 56 percent, while kerosene costs have surged by roughly 80 percent over the same period.

In the capital city, Hanoi, the effects of the fuel crunch were visible on Tuesday as long queues of cars and motorbikes formed outside petrol stations. Many motorists waited in line for extended periods, hoping to secure fuel amid growing concerns about availability.

Vietnam’s government has also begun diplomatic efforts to secure additional energy supplies. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held discussions with leaders in several Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, in a bid to ensure stable fuel deliveries.

In addition, the Vietnamese government has temporarily removed import tariffs on fuel in an effort to lower costs and encourage more shipments into the country. The measure will remain in effect until the end of April.

The ongoing disruption in global oil supply highlights how geopolitical tensions in the Middle East can quickly ripple through international energy markets. For countries like Vietnam that depend heavily on imported fuel, the crisis has forced policymakers and businesses to adapt quickly while searching for ways to manage rising costs and limited supply.