This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media and some others.
It compiles coverage from official outlets like Dan Tri, Tuoi Tre, and VN Express, highlighting the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
Fuel price hikes
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade raised retail fuel prices on March 5, with RON95 gasoline increasing by VND2,189 per litre (US$0.08) to VND22,340 per litre (US$0.85).
E5 RON92 gasoline rose by VND1,926 per litre (US$0.07) to VND21,449 per litre (US$0.81), while diesel increased by VND3,758 per litre (US$0.14) to VND23,037 per litre (US$0.87).
Kerosene saw the largest increase, rising by VND7,132 per litre (US$0.27) to VND26,601 per liter (US$1.01).
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Fuel retailers face fuel shortage
Thanh Nien is reporting that fuel retailers have said falling discounts have left petrol stations selling at a loss due to transport costs and have accused distributors of restricting supply and hoarding fuel ahead of an expected price increase.
One retailer told the publication that a 19,000 litre tanker shipment could generate losses of VND19–20 million (US$721–US$759).
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs on energy security
Vovworld is reporting that Vietnam has created a special task force to safeguard energy security as tensions in the Middle East raise concerns over fuel supply disruptions, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Pham Thu Hang, told a press conference yesterday.
The task force will monitor developments, assess risks and coordinate policy responses to ensure adequate fuel supply for production, businesses and public consumption.
Ed.’s notes: Here is the release from the MoFA. Doesn’t explain what a task force might / can do to help. Doesn’t address Nghi Son refineries’ dependence on Kuwaiti crude and how this might be overcome.
See also: Iran Oil Price Shock: Implications for Vietnam
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SBV on exchange rates
The Investor is reporting that Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, Pham Thanh Ha, has told a press conference that the United States dollar to Vietnamese dong exchange rate had edged up this week due to rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions.
He said the bank will continue managing monetary policy flexibly, coordinating with fiscal policy to stabilise the exchange rate, control inflation and support economic growth.
Ed.’s notes: No indication of what the SBV’s next steps might be – interest rate hike? ForEx intervention? Lack of detail = concerning.
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Oil / gas stock sell-off
VnExpress is reporting that oil and gas stocks in Vietnam fell sharply on March 5, with major energy stocks including GAS, PLX, OIL, BSR and PVD falling more than 5 percent.
Brokerage data showed oil and gas stocks had surged about 70.4 percent in the first two months of 2026, prompting profit taking by investors, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: Another reading of this might be that traders see the crisis in the Middle East as a problem for these firms.
See also: Vietnam’s Persian Gulf Trade Exposure 2026: Unpacked
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Exporters call for government support
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnamese exporters and logistics firms are calling for government support as the Middle East conflict drives sharp increases in freight and transport costs.
Industry representatives have urged the government to consider tax relief and fee reductions to help exporters cope with rising transport costs.
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Dutch semiconductor investment
Technode is reporting that Dutch semiconductor equipment maker BE Semiconductor Industries plans to invest €10–12 million (US$10.8–13.0 million) in 2026 to begin construction of a new production facility in Vietnam.
The investment is part of a broader strategy to shift production and supply chains to Southeast Asia as semiconductor customers relocate manufacturing from China, the article says.
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South Korean investment battery parts
Chosun is reporting that South Korea’s POSCO Future M will invest about 357 billion Korean won (US$270.8 million) to build an artificial graphite anode material factory in Thai Nguyen, northern Vietnam.
The facility will produce anode materials for lithium-ion batteries and could expand capacity to about 55,000 tons if demand warrants it.
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HCMC startup fund
VN Economy is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City has approved a plan to establish a venture capital fund with an initial charter capital of VND500 billion (US$18.98 million) to support startups and technology development.
The fund will operate as a joint stock company, with VND200 billion (US$7.59 million) from the state budget and VND300 billion (US$11.39 million) from private investors.
The fund will invest in startups, science and technology firms, and high-tech sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, renewable energy and robotics.
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Last-mile delivery market exit
The Asset is reporting that FLex Speed Delivery, a logistics company linked to Alibaba-backed Lazada, will stop its last-mile delivery services in Vietnam by March 31.
The company said it will shift focus toward other services such as warehousing and cross-border logistics while maintaining its headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City.
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AMRO infrastructure report summary
The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office published an analytical note on March 4 looking at Vietnam’s infrastructure needs and ambitions. Here are the key takeaways. Read the full article →
Car production January
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam produced 56.19 thousand motor vehicles in January, up 2.68 percent from 54.72 thousand units in December, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Stock market Thursday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,808.51, down 9.76 points or 0.54 percent, with a total trading value of VND 35,394.66 billion or US$1343.25 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$118.33 million worth of equities, Thursday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Thursday
the-shiv is reporting that on March 5, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,850, and the sell rate was VND 26,900, a change of 20 and 20, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,875 (up 0.07 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Milk imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported milk and milk products to the tune of US$133 million in January, down from US$164 million in December, a change of -18.97 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Updated: How to Manufacture Clothing in Vietnam 2026
Vietnam clothing manufacturers are a dime a dozen, and with excellent access to key raw materials and relatively low-cost labour, making clothes in Vietnam can be relatively easy and cost-effective.
There are a number of big brands manufacturing clothing in Vietnam already, and they have been for years.
In this context, Vietnam is well prepared for new brands to enter the market, and with the right support, foreign brands can realise real value in clothing manufacturing in Vietnam. Read the full article →
Updated: Directory of Licensed Accounting Firms (2026)
Whether you are an SME expanding into Vietnam or an established corporation requiring local expertise, this guide provides a starting point for finding the right accounting support. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Music Industry 2026
The music industry in Vietnam has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, evolving from traditional genres to a dynamic blend of contemporary sounds.
Historically rooted in folk music and revolutionary songs, the industry now embraces a diverse range of styles, including pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Read the full article →
Updated: How to Brew Beer in Vietnam 2026
Vietnam, known for its vibrant beer culture, offers a unique environment for brewing beer.
With its rapidly expanding market and growing appreciation for craft and premium brews, the country has become a prime location for both large-scale breweries and small craft beer enthusiasts to thrive.
Understanding the nuances of brewing beer in Vietnam, however, including the country’s unique business environment and business practices, can be key to ensuring a high-quality product is produced in a timely and effective way. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Seaports 2026
Vietnam’s seaports, like Vietnam’s airports, have been a critical component to logistics in Vietnam and subsequently in Vietnam’s economic development.
They are the main entry point for most foreign imports and the main exit point for most manufactured goods made in Vietnam. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup: Government bond auction, Vingroup renewables portfolio expansion, Highlands moves toward 2027 IPO, Draft law commodities derivatives, Video game support foreign buyout, GPU infrastructure partnership, Australia blueberries VN market access, AMRO VN Infrastructure assessment, HSR route redirect request, Petrol station limits added then removed, Fuel price adjustment forecast today, Stock market bucking regional trend, 10% growth target to endure despite ME conflict, Public investment disbursement slow, Lack of data sharing as barrier to infrastructure development, Stock market Wednesday, Exchange rates Wednesday, and more. Read the full article →