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Energy: Vietnam LPG imports plunge by 40.52 percent in May

Vietnam’s imports of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) reached US$146.17 million in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a significant decrease of 40.52 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) import value to US$794.76 million.

Malaysia and Qatar experience drastic declines:

Malaysia, a major supplier in April, saw its imports plummet by 75.74 percent to US$16.24 million in May, although it still accounts for a substantial 22.60 percent of the YTD total. Similarly, Qatar experienced an almost complete halt in imports, with a massive 97.95 percent decrease to US$1.98 million, dropping from being a top supplier in April. Kuwait also recorded no imports in May after being a significant supplier in April.

Saudi Arabia and UAE show strong growth:

Conversely, Saudi Arabia saw an extraordinary surge of 771.72 percent in May, reaching US$16.37 million, albeit from a low base. The UAE also recorded strong growth of 91.46 percent, with imports valued at US$24.36 million. The “Other” category also saw a significant increase of 60.89 percent.

China and South Korea show mixed trends:

Imports from China saw a slight increase of 7.88 percent to US$14.98 million. South Korea also recorded a growth of 33.07 percent. Australia experienced a minor decline of 12.51 percent.

Thailand emerges as a new supplier:

Notably, Thailand, which had no recorded imports in April, became a supplier in May with imports valued at US$1.27 million.

The overall sharp decline in May’s LPG imports highlights a significant shift in Vietnam’s sourcing strategies, with a dramatic reduction from key suppliers like Malaysia, Qatar, and Kuwait, while new and existing minor suppliers surge to fill some of the gap.

See also: Vietnam Gas Power Industry 2025: Growth, Challenges & Key Players

Vietnam imports of Liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), May 2025, US$ millions

MayAprilMoMYTD% of YTD
Total146.17245.76-40.52%794.76100.00%
Other56.4135.0660.89%0.000.00%
UAE24.3612.7291.46%63.537.99%
Saudi Arabia16.371.88771.72%31.733.99%
Malaysia16.2466.95-75.74%179.6022.60%
China14.9813.887.88%86.5710.89%
Australia11.6513.32-12.51%38.704.87%
South Korea4.173.1433.07%15.361.93%
Qatar1.9896.28-97.95%127.6616.06%
Kuwait0.002.53-100.00%57.477.23%
Thailand0.000.000.00%1.270.16%

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