Team 2 of the Hanoi Market Management Department monitors the business operations of a Petrolimex store on Tran Quang Khai Street, Hanoi. Photo: Tran Viet/TTXVN
A report dated March 17, 2026, from market management forces indicates that, overall, the market remains stable, with supply basically meeting demand; at the same time, management and communication measures have proven effective in guiding the psychology of people and businesses.
Following directives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade , the People’s Committee of Hanoi City, and the Department of Industry and Trade regarding strengthening inspection and control of petroleum business activities amidst complex international developments, the Hanoi City Market Management Sub-Department has proactively directed its subordinate Market Management Teams to simultaneously launch operations and closely monitor their respective areas.
On March 17, 2026, authorities conducted direct inspections and monitoring at gas stations and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) businesses; simultaneously, they carried out a comprehensive review of the supply and demand situation, prices, and compliance with legal regulations by businesses.
Furthermore, information gathering was carried out quickly and synchronously, ensuring timely compilation and reporting to effectively support leadership and management. Simultaneously, market management forces also focused on promoting awareness and guiding organizations and individuals engaged in the petroleum and LPG business to strictly comply with regulations on price listing and selling at prices announced by competent authorities, as well as enhancing their responsibility in ensuring market supply.
In addition, market management forces have issued clear and transparent recommendations to the public; emphasizing the importance of not panicking over unverified information and not stockpiling gasoline in cans, bottles, or other unsafe containers that pose a risk of fire and explosion. As a result, public awareness has improved, contributing to the overall stability of the area.
According to statistics from the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, the city currently has 453 gasoline stations. Inspections and monitoring conducted from the afternoon of March 16th to the morning of March 17th, 2026, showed that most stations were operating normally, and the supply was basically ensured. All businesses strictly adhered to publicly displaying prices and selling at the regulated prices; no instances of unusual price increases, hoarding, or selling in small quantities were detected.
This is a positive result, reflecting the decisive involvement of the authorities as well as the increasingly improved compliance with the law by petroleum businesses in the area. Notably, no violations were detected during the day, therefore no inspections or administrative penalties were imposed.
However, despite the achievements, the market situation still presents some factors that need to be closely monitored. Specifically, some areas have experienced localized supply disruptions. On March 17, 2026, 16 gas stations temporarily ran out of fuel and had to stop selling while awaiting restocking from distributors; at the same time, 2 stations ran out of gasoline but still had diesel fuel and continued operating with the remaining stock.
The primary cause of this situation has been identified as the untimely supply from wholesalers and distributors, causing difficulties for some retail stores in obtaining goods. However, this is a localized phenomenon, occurring in specific areas and not yet widespread throughout the city.
In response to this situation, market management forces promptly dispatched officers to the area to verify and closely monitor the situation, while also requiring stores to proactively contact suppliers to replenish their stock and ensure that the needs of the people are met. Relevant information was also fully and promptly reported to the competent authorities to develop appropriate management plans.
Regarding prices, on March 17, 2026, domestic retail gasoline and diesel prices continued to remain stable according to the most recent price adjustment by the Ministry of Industry and Trade – Ministry of Finance (March 12, 2026). Accordingly, the price of E5RON92 gasoline was approximately 22,504 VND/liter, RON95-III gasoline approximately 25,575 VND/liter, diesel approximately 27,025 VND/liter, and kerosene approximately 26,932 VND/liter.
Meanwhile, on the international market, crude oil prices tended to fall after a period of sharp increases. Brent crude fell to around $100 per barrel, while WTI crude fluctuated around $93-$94 per barrel. This development mainly stemmed from improved market sentiment as concerns about supply disruptions in the Middle East showed signs of easing.
Although world oil prices are trending downward in the short term, thanks to flexible management and the continued use of the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund, domestic fuel prices remain stable. This is crucial in controlling input costs for the economy, limiting negative impacts on transportation, production, business, and goods circulation.
Regarding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), business operations in Hanoi remain normal. Inspections have not revealed any violations related to this sector. The gas supply is assessed as basically stable, fully meeting the consumption needs of residents and service businesses.
However, retail gas prices have tended to increase recently due to the impact of fluctuations in global energy prices and transportation costs. Even so, this increase has not caused major disruptions in the market; businesses continue to operate stably, and there has been no shortage of goods.
One noteworthy point is the effectiveness of the information dissemination and guidance efforts. Previously, amidst reports of supply fluctuations, there was a phenomenon of people hoarding gasoline and diesel fuel. However, thanks to the timely intervention of authorities and the provision of transparent and accurate information, this phenomenon has significantly decreased. People are increasingly confident in the management of the authorities, and no longer feel panicked or rush to hoard fuel as before. This not only contributes to market stability but also reduces safety risks during the storage and use of gasoline and diesel fuel.
According to a reporter from the Vietnam News Agency, gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business activities in Hanoi remained stable as of 8 PM on March 17, 2026. Most stores operated normally, strictly adhering to legal regulations, and supply basically met demand. However, signs of localized supply disruptions indicate that the market still harbors unpredictable factors, requiring close monitoring and proactive responses from relevant authorities.
According to a representative of the Hanoi City Market Management Department, in the coming period, market management forces will continue to strengthen inspections and supervision, promptly detect and handle any violations, and closely coordinate with relevant units to ensure a stable supply and prevent widespread shortages.
In addition, communication efforts will continue to be intensified to raise awareness among citizens and businesses, contributing to maintaining market stability and ensuring energy security in the area. The results achieved demonstrate the proactive, decisive, and effective management and operation of the city’s functional agencies, thereby creating a solid foundation to respond to market fluctuations in the future, aiming for stability and sustainable development.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/ha-noi-chu-dong-kiem-soat-thi-truong-xang-dau-bao-dam-nguon-cung-20260317215017740.htm
