This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today, and what was reported over the weekend, 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.
Vietnam Fuel Prices and Trade Disruption Tracker: Iran Conflict 2026
Introducing the Vietnam Fuel Prices and Trade Disruption Tracker: Iran Conflict 2026.
This article from the-shiv tracks developments in Vietnam’s energy sector in the context of the emerging conflict in Iran and its impact on energy resources moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
It’s updated as new developments come to light. Read the full article →
Airport development executives detained
In a release to the Hanoi Stock Exchange, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam has disclosed that Chairman Vu The Phiet and board member and Deputy Chief Executive Officer Nguyen Tien Viet were temporarily detained by the Ministry of Public Security on 4 March 2026.
Authorities are investigating alleged violations of bidding regulations.
The disclosure also states the men are accused of accepting money to help contractors win bids.
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Corruption arrest airport contractor
The Investor is reporting that the police have detained two senior executives of construction firm Vinaconex over alleged violations of bidding regulations, causing “particularly serious consequences”.
Those arrested are board member and deputy chief executive Nguyen Huu Toi, a former chairman, and board member and deputy chief executive Duong Van Mau.
Investigators suspect Toi of giving money to project owners to win contracts, according to a notice from the Ministry of Public Security cited by the company.
Vinaconex is part of the consortium building Long Thanh airport’s passenger terminal.
Ed.’s notes: Doesn’t explicitly link the charges with the airport project. ACV execs arrested March 4.
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VinaCapital sees Iran impact as ‘modest’
The Investor is reporting that VinaCapital economists say the Iran conflict should have only ‘modest’ economic effects on Vietnam because exports to the Middle East account for less than 3 percent of the country’s total exports.
However, VinaCapital estimates a prolonged conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz could cut Vietnam’s gross domestic product growth by up to 2 percentage points.
Ed.’s notes: Arguments rely on a lot of assumptions.
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Fuel market regulation adjustments
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that the Government of Vietnam is requiring crude oil owners to prioritise selling unsold crude and condensate domestically where possible, per Resolution 36 issued March 6.
The resolution also authorises PetroVietnam and affiliated firms to trade, import and export crude oil and fuel production inputs to support domestic supply, and petrol price adjustments when benchmark fuel prices rise at least 7 percent as opposed to every Thursday.
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Run-down of airline costs ME conflict
Thanh Nien is reporting that Vietnam Airlines’ flight rerouting to avoid conflict airspace adds about US$2,000 per flight and extends travel time by 10–15 minutes.
Aviation authorities estimate revenue losses of about US$250,000 per week for air traffic control and about US$10.9 million per month for airport operators.
Vietnam Airlines may face additional war risk insurance costs rising about 10–15 percent on aircraft operating long-haul routes near conflict zones.
The article also notes that air cargo routes via Middle Eastern transit hubs handle about 25–30 percent of electronics shipments from Europe to Vietnam.
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Lowering threshold loans without business plans
Thanh Nien is reporting that Vietnam’s central bank has proposed raising the threshold for small loans that don’t require a business plan for approval from VND 100 million (about US$3,795) to VND 400 million (about US$15,180).
For people’s credit funds, the proposed limit would be VND 200 million (about US$7,590) under the draft amendment to lending regulations.
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HCMC – Europe shipping time delays
VN Economy is reporting that disruptions to shipping routes linked to the Middle East conflict are delaying cargo shipments from Ho Chi Minh City to Europe by 7–10 days.
The article singles out electronics manufacturers as facing potential shortages of imported chips and semiconductor components due to supply chain disruptions.
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Negotiations with China 5G network
Reuters is reporting that Vietnam’s police-controlled telecom operator Mobifone is in talks with Chinese firms over contracts to build parts of its 5G network, according to three sources cited by Reuters.
The discussions would follow 2025 supply deals signed by Viettel and Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group with Huawei and ZTE, the article says.
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South Korea-FPT education MoU
UPI is reporting that Kyungpook National University will launch a degree-granting program in Vietnam with FPT University, allowing students in Hanoi to complete the South Korean university’s curriculum locally.
The program will initially offer undergraduate courses in business administration and computer science, with student recruitment expected in the first half of the year and classes starting later in 2026.
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Fuel supplies
The Investor is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade said domestic fuel supply for March is “basically secured” thanks to refinery output, reserves and ongoing imports despite rising global oil prices.
The ministry said the Dung Quat and Nghi Son refineries are operating normally, with Dung Quat running at about 118 percent capacity and continuing to supply fuel under existing contracts.
Ed.’s notes: Article notes that the Ministry did not provide specific details about Nghi Son operations – notably, relies almost entirely on Kuwaiti crude oil.
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Cruise ship diverted on port congestion
Cruise Hive is reporting that Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship Norwegian Sun cancelled its planned March 5 stop at Phu My port in Vietnam due to cargo congestion that made the scheduled berth unavailable.
The port call, which served as the cruise’s gateway for excursions to Ho Chi Minh City, was replaced with a visit to Sihanoukville in Cambodia.
Ed.’s notes: Noted because there don’t seem to be any local reports about port congestion.
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Gas prices jump
VnExpress is reporting that in Ho Chi Minh City, 12-kilogram liquefied petroleum gas cylinders now cost around VND480,000–VND495,000 (US$18.22–US$18.79), up VND20,000–VND80,000 (US$0.76–US$3.04) from the previous month.
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Energy centre approved
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam’s government has directed authorities to finalise plans for a national refining and energy centre at the Dung Quat Economic Zone with an estimated investment of US$16.1–20.5 billion.
The complex is intended to supply at least 30 percent of Vietnam’s fuel demand and provide strategic reserves equivalent to roughly 30 days of national consumption.
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Fuel stockpiling
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that some residents in Hanoi have attempted to stockpile fuel after recent price increases, bringing plastic containers and even metal drums to petrol stations.
Some petrol stations, however, have refused to sell fuel into such containers, citing fire safety risks and potential evaporation losses from improper storage.
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Fuel consumption jumps
Tuoi Tre is reporting that fuel consumption in Vietnam has surged in recent days as rising prices and supply concerns trigger stockpiling.
PVOIL reported retail fuel sales on March 4 rose more than 30 percent compared with the average day in January and over 40 percent compared with February, with diesel demand rising as much as 63 percent.
The company said demand climbed further on March 5, with total sales up 44 percent from January averages and more than 55 percent higher than February levels.
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Dutch semiconductor investment
The Investor is reporting that Dutch semiconductor equipment maker BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (Besi) is considering investing about US$1 billion in Vietnam as part of a broader global semiconductor infrastructure expansion.
The company plans to begin building a new production facility in Vietnam in 2026 with initial capital expenditure of €10–12 million, the article says.
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Logistics costs increase on ME conflict
Tuoi Tre is reporting that passenger bus companies have said they may have to temporarily absorb losses attributed to rising fuel prices because ticket prices are regulated.
The article also notes that freight operators say the increase could force transport charges up by about VND100,000 (US$3.80) per tonne as fuel and expressway toll costs erode margins.
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Further fuel price deregulation floated
Vietnamnet is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed allowing petroleum wholesalers and distributors to announce and adjust retail fuel prices within their own distribution systems.
Under the draft circular, companies would be required to declare retail gasoline and diesel prices to authorities through the ministry’s digital management system.
The proposal also outlines price stabilisation measures that could be triggered if retail fuel prices rise by 20 percent or more within a single month.
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Ride-hailing app drivers impacted ME conflict
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that some ride-hailing drivers are becoming reluctant to accept short trips because higher fuel costs and platform commissions significantly reduce earnings.
Ride-hailing drivers reported daily fuel spending rising sharply, with some saying costs increased from about VND300,000 (US$11.39) to VND400,000 (US$15.18).
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Profitability concerns banking sector
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam’s banking sector continues to record strong credit growth, but profitability is weakening as lending margins shrink.
Industry data shows the net interest margin fell to 3.03 percent by the end of 2025, down from 3.36 percent a year earlier, as lending rates remain low, the article says.
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APEX construction fuel shortages
Thanh Nien is reporting that several contractors working on Vietnam’s North–South Expressway and APEC 2027 projects in Phu Quoc say diesel shortages and price spikes are forcing them to slow construction and ration fuel for heavy machinery.
Some contractors report receiving only about one-third of their usual diesel allocations, forcing equipment such as excavators, cranes, and pile-drilling rigs to operate intermittently.
Ed.’s notes: Construction materials shortages and land clearance issues are already causing project delays.
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Agriculture shipments cost increase
Vietnamnet is reporting that online retailers across Vietnam are adding about VND5,000 (US$0.19) per order to delivery fees as fuel costs push transport charges sharply higher.
Some sellers report freight rates for agricultural shipments from northern provinces to Hanoi rising by VND100,000 (US$3.79) per 30-kilogram parcel in just a few days.
The higher logistics costs are already feeding into retail prices, with fruit and vegetables rising by around VND5,000–7,000 (US$0.19–0.27) per kilogram and flowers by about VND15,000 (US$0.57) per bundle.
Economists estimate the recent fuel price increases could add roughly 0.63 percent to Vietnam’s consumer price index and raise transport service prices by about 6.3 percent, the article says.
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Finance ministry proposes fuel import tariff cut
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam’s finance ministry has proposed temporarily cutting most-favoured-nation import tariffs on petrol, diesel and aviation fuel to zero to help stabilise domestic supply.
The proposal would reduce tariffs on motor gasoline and blending components such as naphtha and reformate from 10 percent to 0 percent, while diesel, kerosene and fuel oil tariffs would fall from 7 percent to 0 percent.
Authorities estimate the policy could reduce state budget revenue by about VND1.024 trillion (US$38.9 million) if applied using 2025 import volumes.
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17 petrol stations Hanoi run out of fuel
VTC News is reporting that 17 petrol stations in Hanoi temporarily suspended sales on March 7, reporting insufficient fuel supply.
Retail demand has risen sharply, with daily sales at several major chains increasing between 10 percent and 30 percent compared with February averages, the article says.
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The Calm Before the Storm: Vietnam’s Economy in February 2026
Last week, the National Statistics Office (NSO) released its February data, with Vietnam’s economy performing generally as expected.
However, this data has been made all the more important by the conflict in Iran that began on February 28, forming a baseline against which the impacts will likely be measured. Read the full article →
Stock market Friday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,767.84, down 40.67 points or 2.25 percent, with a total trading value of VND 33,652.72 billion or US$1277.14 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$49.79 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Friday
the-shiv is reporting that on March 6, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,850, and the sell rate was VND 26,900, a change of 0 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,875 (down 0.00 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Tourist arrivals February
the-shiv is reporting that in February, Vietnam recorded 2,228,372 tourist arrivals, a decrease of -9.20 percent from January, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. Read the full article →
Exports to Singapore
the-shiv is reporting that in January, Vietnam exported US$572 million worth of goods to Singapore, up 1.42 percent over December, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Inflation February
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s consumer price index (CPI) rose 1.14 percent in February compared with the previous month as food, dining and transport costs increased during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Prices were up 1.19 percent compared with December 2025 and 3.35 percent year-on-year. Read the full article →
Trade February
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s total merchandise trade reached US$155.7 billion in the first two months of 2026, an increase of 22.2 percent compared with the same period last year. Read the full article →
Retail sales February
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s retail and consumer services sector expanded in the first two months of 2026 as spending increased around the Lunar New Year holiday. Read the full article →
FDI commitments February
the-shiv is reporting that total registered foreign investment in Vietnam reached US$6.03 billion in the first two months of 2026, down 12.6 percent from a year earlier, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office.
The figure includes newly registered capital, adjusted capital for existing projects, and foreign investors’ capital contributions and share purchases. Read the full article →
Industrial production February
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s industrial production declined sharply in February as the Lunar New Year holiday reduced the number of working days, though output remained higher than a year earlier and growth for the year to date remained strong, according to the latest release from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Mobile phone production
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam produced 14.91 million mobile phones in January, down 2.07 percent from 15.23 million in December, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Imports from the UK
the-shiv is reporting that in January, Vietnam imported US$74.21 million worth of goods from the UK, down from US$101.16 million in December, a change of -26.64 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Motorbike production
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam produced 373.56 thousand motorbikes in February, down 34.74 percent from 224.65 thousand in January, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Updated: Freight Forwarding in Vietnam 2026
Freight forwarding in Vietnam plays a critical role in facilitating international trade and logistics in Vietnam, serving as a key connector between manufacturers, exporters, and global markets.
With its strategic location in Southeast Asia and a rapidly expanding infrastructure network, Vietnam has become an important hub for freight forwarding services. Read the full article →
Updated: Foreign Investment in Vietnam Education
Decree 86 is a key piece of legislation in Vietnam that regulates foreign investment in the education sector.
Issued on June 6, 2018, this decree provides detailed guidelines on the establishment and operation of foreign-invested educational institutions and cooperation projects in Vietnam.
It plays a crucial role in Vietnam’s broader effort to internationalise its education system while ensuring compliance with national educational standards and policies. Read the full article →
Updated: Law Firms in Vietnam 2026
This directory offers a curated list of leading law firms operating in Vietnam — including local specialists and international practices — to help you find trusted legal support across sectors such as corporate law, M&A, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.
Each listing includes firm profiles, website links, and areas of expertise. Read the full article →
Updated: Consumer Goods in Vietnam 2026
Vietnam’s consumer goods market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by a burgeoning middle class, increasing disposable income, and shifting consumer preferences.
The country’s young and dynamic population, with a significant portion aged between 25 and 54, presents a lucrative market for a wide range of products. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Crude Oil Industry 2026
Vietnam’s crude oil industry remains a key part of the country’s energy sector and economic landscape, contributing to both domestic energy security and export revenues. In recent years, production levels have faced challenges, prompting efforts to revitalise the sector through new exploration and production projects. Read the full article →
Updated: How to Open a Supermarket in Vietnam 2026
Do you want to open a supermarket in Vietnam? This guide covers licensing and regulations, wages, location selection and more. Read the full article →
Updated: How to Export Coffee from Vietnam
Vietnam is among the world’s biggest coffee exporters.
Here’s a brief overview of how to go about exporting coffee from Vietnam. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements 2026
Vietnam has signed multiple Free Trade Agreements with various countries and regions.
These agreements aim to reduce or eliminate tariffs, enhance market access, and promote economic cooperation across diverse sectors such as textiles, machinery, and agriculture.
This is in line with a broader strategy of export-led economic development. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Furniture Manufacturing 2026
Vietnam has emerged as a significant global player in the furniture manufacturing industry.
The country’s strategic geographic location, coupled with a relatively skilled workforce and competitive production costs, has positioned it as a preferred destination for furniture production and export.
The furniture sector has experienced rapid growth, driven by increasing global demand for high-quality, yet affordable furniture. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Golf Industry 2026
Vietnam’s golf industry has experienced significant growth, emerging as a key player in Asia’s golfing scene.
The country’s diverse landscapes have attracted international interest, leading to the development of numerous world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.
Key golfing hubs include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and coastal regions like Nha Trang and Cam Ranh. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Cement Industry 2026
Vietnam’s cement industry has emerged as a critical sector in the nation’s industrial development, driven by rapid urbanisation and infrastructure expansion.
As one of the world’s largest cement producers, Vietnam benefits from abundant raw materials and a growing domestic and regional market.
However, the sector faces challenges such as overcapacity and fluctuating global demand, which have created a highly competitive environment. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Tourism Industry 2026
Tourism in Vietnam plays a vital role in the country’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.
It includes a wide range of services such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, tour operators, transportation, and attractions, catering to both international and domestic tourists. Read the full article →
Updated: How to Open a Data Centre in Vietnam 2026
Opening a data centre in Vietnam for foreign firms or individuals is not always easy.
Not only are there several technical requirements that need to be met, but there are also a broad number of considerations that need to be made – choosing the right location, the right business structure, and finding the right workers, for example.
This guide runs through the nuts and bolts of these processes and more. Read the full article →
Friday’s Vietnam news roundup
In Friday’s Vietnam news: Fuel price hikes, Fuel retailers face fuel shortage, Ministry of Foreign Affairs on energy security, SBV on exchange rates, Oil / gas stock sell-off, Exporters call for government support, Dutch semiconductor investment, South Korean investment battery parts, HCMC startup fund, Last-mile delivery market exit, AMRO infrastructure report, Car production January, Stock market Thursday, Exchange rates Thursday, Milk imports, Updated: How to Manufacture Clothing in Vietnam 2026, Updated: Directory of Licensed Accounting Firms (2026), and more. Read the full article →