PM orders inquiry into electricity price hikes

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has ordered a review of the recent power price increases amid reports of public outcry over their higher electricity bills.

Electricity prices in Vietnam have increased by an average 8.36% since March 20.
Electricity prices in Vietnam have increased by an average 8.36% since March 20.

The PM asked the Government Inspectorate to work with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the agencies concerned, before reporting back to him in April.

Under the government leader’s directive, a review will be conducted on the electricity price hikes, the price calculation method and the collection of bill payments in order to clarify if they are right or wrong.

Since March 20, electricity prices in Vietnam have increased by an average 8.36%, meaning a kWh now costs around VND1,864.44.

In recent days, consumers have complained about their abnormally high electricity bills for April, with some estimating that their bills are 30% or even 50% higher than the previous month, according to media reports.

The state utility EVN attributed such increases to the hot weather, a longer calculation period for April and the progressive pricing method, under which the more electricity one uses the more one has to pay.