Stories from Hanoi · Vietnam

The Vietnamese government is actively implementing measures to diversify its fuel sources to ensure energy security amid rising instability in the Middle East. Conflicts in the Middle East are causing disruptions to international flight paths and increasing airfares. As a result, tourist preferences are shifting from long-haul destinations like Europe and the Americas toward regional travel. This change in travel patterns is noted as a departure from previous years. The shift is driven by the increased cost and complexity of long-distance travel. The ongoing Middle East conflict is creating complex and unpredictable global economic effects. Vietnam's open economy is experiencing impacts on fuel imports, logistics costs, and shipping times. The situation is affecting trade activities and overall import-export dynamics.

Diesel fuel prices in Vietnam have decreased by 159 VND per liter compared to previous evening rates. This price adjustment comes amid broader economic activity in the region, including job fairs in Da Nang involving over 200 enterprises. The shift in fuel costs is a notable development for local transport and energy sectors. The Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular 21 on April 28, 2026, partially repealing provisions from Circular 18 of 2025 regarding fuel business. Effective April 29, diesel oil is no longer subject to the regulations governing price management. This move follows the previous regulatory framework for fuel trading in the country. Retail prices for brands such as CT-Petrol and Vina Pacific Petro have reached 644,500 VND per unit. The price increase is attributed to rising international shipping, insurance, and logistics costs.

Vietnam is launching a series of major projects focused on improving archaeological site infrastructure, including the installation of advanced Roman-style metal detectors and high-tech observation equipment. The $4 billion investment aims to enhance heritage preservation and tourism, potentially in preparation for future global events like the World Cup. The project includes large-scale equipment such as 12-meter high observation towers. Infrastructure demand in Vietnam is estimated to reach $245 billion by 2030. Current public capital can only meet approximately 70% of this requirement. According to Bui Hoang Hai of VIS Rating, the remaining financial gap must be addressed through capital market mobilization, specifically corporate bonds. Finance Minister Nguyen Duc Chi said the need for these steps.

Approximately 700,000 hectares of winter-spring rice in northern Vietnam provinces are entering a critical growth stage amid abnormal weather patterns. Local authorities are warning of early saltwater intrusion and drought, urging farmers to adjust seasonal schedules to prevent crop loss. Forest management agencies have also been placed on 24-hour alert due to high fire risks from prolonged heat. Coach Roland has narrowed the squad to 23 players for the upcoming Asian championship finals. Four players, including Nguyen Truong, Quang Khoi, Quang Danh, and Dinh Phong, will not participate in the tournament.

A significant cold air mass has moved into Northeast Vietnam, bringing widespread heavy rainfall to the region, including the capital city of Hanoi. Rainfall amounts are expected to reach between 24mm and 40mm within a 24-hour period. This weather pattern poses potential risks of localized flooding and disruption to transport in the northern provinces. Temperatures in the northern region range from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius, with some mountainous areas below 20 degrees. In the North Central region, temperatures are between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius. Convective clouds are present offshore of Quang Ninh province, expected to develop and cause rain and thunderstorms, with a possibility of waterspouts and strong gusts. Rainfall amounts are expected to range from 20-40mm, with some areas seeing totals exceeding 100mm.

Vietnamese authorities have officially decided to prosecute Major Nguyen Van Hoang following a traffic accident that resulted in the death of a 12th-grade student. The investigation into the fatal collision is ongoing as police seek to determine the full extent of liability. The incident has caused significant public outcry across the country.

The Vietnamese government has completed the transfer of nearly 13 trillion VND in central budget funds to support national target programs for the 2021-2025 period. Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Dinh emphasized that these funds are critical for rural development, sustainable poverty reduction, and socio-economic growth in ethnic minority and mountainous regions. The initiative aims to modernize infrastructure and improve living standards through the 2026-2030 phase. Vietnam launched an online connectivity event spanning 34 provinces and cities to promote national sovereignty awareness. The event was attended by Bùi Thiện Minh Hoài, a member of the Political Bureau and Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam. Over the past five years, the organization of these events has mobilized more than 3 trillion VND.

Vietnam and South Korea are aiming to reach a bilateral trade volume of $150 billion by the year 2030. This economic goal focuses on strengthening industrial and technological ties between the two Asian nations. The initiative represents a significant push for regional economic integration in the Asia-Pacific.

The Vietnamese government is soliciting public opinion on a list of high-tech sectors prioritized for future investment and development. Undergraduate students could receive up to 55 million VND per year. Master's and doctoral students may receive up to 84 million VND annually. The policy aims to support students in these specific academic fields. The policy aims to support living costs and attract talent to critical national sectors. Cybercriminals are using social media to manipulate students and engage in extortion. The scheme involves targeting students through various online platforms to demand money. The source noted that these crimes are being carried out through cybercrime networks. Vietnam is implementing regulations effective from December 25, 2014, regarding social media use for minors. Children under 16 must use parental information to register for social media accounts.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance has proposed a new policy to exempt small businesses with annual revenues under 1 billion VND from personal income tax and VAT. The move is intended to support small business owners and stabilize livelihoods. The Vietnamese government has proposed adjusting the tax threshold for business households to 500 million VND. Experts have suggested raising the tax-exempt revenue threshold and categorizing it by industry for better accuracy. The policy also includes adjustments to invoicing and preferential mechanisms. Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan stated that current personal income tax laws apply to business households with annual revenues exceeding 3 billion VND. The government is permitted to adjust this threshold to a level below 3 billion VND per year.