Viet Nam’s consumer prices index (CPI) in March edged up 1.23% from the previous month as surging global fuel costs and higher construction material expenses fed through to domestic prices, the Finance Ministry’s National Statistics Office reported on April 4.

Importers brought in approximately 3.2 million cubic metres of fuel in March. Combined with current inventories of around 1.6–1.8 million cubic metres, this volume is expected to fully meet domestic demand until the end of April.

The conflict in the Middle East shows no signs of easing. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, numerous oil and gas facilities in the region have suspended operations, and countries are scrambling to secure alternative supplies, tap into strategic reserves, and even resort to improvised measures to stabilise their domestic energy markets.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang provided updates on consular protection for Vietnamese citizens in the Middle East at the ministry’s regular press briefing on March 19.

Viet Nam is facing a three-stage ripple effect - first on transport and fuel-dependent industries, then on sectors relying on their outputs, and ultimately on consumers. Volatility in key commodities like fuel is disrupting the entire supply chain and increasing the risk of market instability.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on Qatar to strengthen energy cooperation with Viet Nam, particularly in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply, during a reception for Qatari Ambassador Khalid Ali Abdullah Abel in Ha Noi on March 17.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) has issued an update on some active notices to air missions (NOTAMs) in the Middle East conflict zones.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 17 received Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki, calling on Japan to support Viet Nam in ensuring energy security amid disruptions to global oil supply chains caused by tensions in the Middle East.

Amid complex developments from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted fuel supply chains and driven up costs, petroleum enterprises have proactively implemented response measures to ensure production and business operations while meeting domestic consumption demand.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has pushed the global energy market into a period of serious instability, with oil prices rising steadily while supply continues to tighten. In this context, many countries are rushing to release strategic reserves in an effort to cool the surge in oil prices.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Ambassador of Thailand to Viet Nam Urawadee Sriphiromya in Ha Noi on March 13 to discuss measures for promoting the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as cooperation in ensuring energy security for both sides.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel on March 12 issued a notice to the Vietnamese nationals living, studying, and working there, urging heightened caution amid a complex security situation following a surge in missile and drone strikes in recent days.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a telephone conversation with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on March 9 evening to discuss the regional situation and promote bilateral relations.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held phone talks with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, on March 9 evening.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang highlighted measures taken by Vietnamese ministries and agencies to ensure trade, economic activities and energy security amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East, at the ministry's regular press briefing on March 5.

The Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has requested industry associations to urgently review and assess the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on import-export activities, logistics, and the supply of raw materials.

The direct military confrontation between the US, Israel, and Iran is pushing global energy markets towards their most severe shock in decades.

The Viet Nam Maritime and Waterway Administration (VIMAWA) has called on shipowners with vessels operating on international routes to closely review updated information on maritime safety and security conditions before planning voyages to the Middle East to ensure the safety and security and legitimate rights and interests of crew members.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang on March 3 reiterated Viet Nam’s opposition to the use of force against sovereign nations while responding to reporters’ questions regarding the recent escalation of severe tensions in the Middle East.

As the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran entered its fourth day with increasingly complex developments, the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel has issued a notice urging members of the Vietnamese community to heighten vigilance and strictly comply with local security regulations.