The article discusses the impact of rising fuel prices on gig workers and the general population in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, due to the US-Israel conflict affecting oil supplies. E-hailing driver Nguyen reveals that after working long hours, half of his earnings go towards gas, making it unsustainable to continue. Diesel prices have more than doubled and gasoline prices have risen significantly, leading many drivers to stop working.
In response, the Vietnamese government has suspended certain fuel taxes to ease the burden, but economic strain is evident. Public transportation and businesses are struggling, with companies like Vietnam Airlines reducing flights. Rising costs particularly affect low-income families, who are forced to adjust their cooking and commuting habits.
Experts emphasize the need for Vietnam to improve its energy independence to mitigate such crises in the future. Immediate measures are being taken, such as a government delegation visiting oil refineries to secure new crude supplies. However, long-term solutions will take years to develop, while some businesses, like Vingroup, are shifting investment towards renewable projects due to uncertainties in fuel prices.
Source link
