Vietnam saw a strong increase in fuel imports in the first two months of this year amid global energy uncertainty triggered by spiralling Middle East tensions.
Statistics of Vietnam Customs showed that Vietnam spent more than 1.44 billion USD importing 2.18 million tonnes of petroleum products in the first two months of this year, representing a sharp increase of 31.4% and 43%, respectively, over the same period last year.
Crude oil imports totalled more than 2.16 million tonnes, worth 1.08 billion USD, falling by 10% in volume and 25% in value, however.
The country exported about 200.3 million USD worth of crude oil and nearly 55 million USd worth of petroleum product exports in the first two months of the year, falling by 16.7% and 62.3%, respectively.
In 2025, Vietnam imported around 9.9 million tonnes of petroleum products worth 6.8 billion USD and 14.1 tonnes of crude oil worth 7.7 billion USD.
Vietnam is a net importer of petroleum products to meet the energy demand for the double-digit growth goal and ensure energy security.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, major petrol wholesalers continue to import refined petroleum products to supply the domestic market despite rising import and logistics costs. Together with their commercial reserves, fuel supply for the domestic market is expected to remain stable in March.
However, if the tensions in the Middle East are prolonged, the domestic energy market could face greater challenges in April./.
