Are many gas stations hoarding fuel in anticipation of price increases?

(Baonghean.vn) -Amid rumors of an impending fuel price increase, some gas stations are hoarding fuel in anticipation of the price hike. This tactic is not new, but it is repeated every time there is news of a price increase, causing frustration and resentment among the public.To curb this "taking advantage of the situation" phenomenon, authorities need to take more decisive action and strictly and thoroughly punish gas stations that intentionally stop selling fuel before the price increase.

Every time he needs to refuel, Mr. Nguyen Van Ha (from Nghi Trung commune, Nghi Loc district) goes to the Thanh Ha gas station near his house. But this morning, August 28, 2012, when Mr. Ha went to refuel, the gas station had a sign saying "out of gas". Mr. Ha said: "A few days ago, I refueled here normally, but this morning it was 'out of gas'!" A reporter visited the Thanh Ha gas station and was told by a sales employee that the station had stopped selling gas for three days.

The Thanh Ha gas station has had a "out of gas" sign for 3 days.

Along National Highway 1A, in the section passing through Nghi Lien commune, Vinh City, Bich Phuong gas station No. 1 is also closed and silent, with no signs or staff on duty. Both of these gas stations are privately owned.

Bich Phuong gas station is silently closed.

Just about 2-3km away, Petrolimex gas stations are still operating normally. According to reports from residents, this morning, August 28th, two gas stations in Thanh Chuong district were also hoarding fuel in anticipation of a price increase.

Petrolimex gas stations are still operating normally.

In Nghe An province, there are currently more than 600 gas stations, with 4 main distributors. (Mr. Cao Viet Dong)

The gas station at the intersection of Minh Khai and Le Phong streets in Vinh City is always bustling with customers.

Regarding the "unusual" business practices of some gas stations, Mr. Tran Kim Thanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, stated: Gasoline and diesel are commodities under unified state management, and price increases are approved by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Gasoline and diesel are among the commodities whose pricing formulas are publicly available, offering the advantage that people can monitor and understand the upward or downward price adjustments without causing unexpected fluctuations. To effectively manage gasoline and diesel business activities, the Department has assigned the Market Management Sub-Department to regularly monitor, update information, inspect, and handle violations. If any gas stations are found to be hoarding or selling in small quantities in anticipation of price increases, they will be severely punished. The Department has instructed the Market Management Sub-Department to inspect gas stations exhibiting violations and will establish an inter-agency inspection team for a surprise inspection tomorrow, August 29th.

The frequent fluctuations in fuel prices recently have affected market stability, social welfare, and production in general, especially for businesses that use large quantities of fuel. Mr. Nguyen Dam Van, Director of Van Minh Travel Company, stated: “Through the two recent fuel price increases, the company has faced considerable difficulties. Although we haven't increased transportation fares, the number of customers has decreased. If fuel prices continue to rise, the company will be forced to increase transportation fares, making business even more challenging.”

Sy Thanh