Vietnam calls for remote work to cut fuel use as Iran war disrupts imports, causing severe shortages and price spikes across the country.

HANOI: Vietnam’s government has urged businesses to adopt work-from-home arrangements to conserve fuel. This directive comes amid severe supply disruptions and soaring prices triggered by the ongoing war in Iran.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade issued the call in a statement on Tuesday. It cited the country’s heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy imports, which has left it among the hardest hit by the conflict.

Businesses need to “encourage work-from-home when possible to reduce the need for travel and transportation,” the statement said. The ministry also appealed to businesses and individuals to refrain from hoarding or speculating on fuel.

Fuel prices have skyrocketed since the end of last month. Data from top trader Petrolimex shows gasoline up 32%, diesel up 56%, and kerosene up 80%.

Long queues of cars and motorbikes formed at petrol stations in the capital Hanoi on Tuesday. The scenes underscored the growing crisis as supplies dwindle.

In response, the government has taken diplomatic and fiscal measures. Prime Minister Pham Minh Minh phoned his counterparts in Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE on Monday to secure fuel and crude oil supplies.

Vietnam also decided to remove import tariffs on fuels effective until the end of April. This move aims to ease the financial burden of securing new shipments.

 The Sun Malaysia