Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) is preparing new rules that let fuel traders and distributors set their own prices, but with clear limits. The changes aim to make pricing more transparent and to stop hidden collusion.

Under the draft, major petroleum traders and independent distributors may decide their wholesale and retail fuel prices themselves. However, the price they announce cannot be more than 2 % above the price declared by the wholesaler at the same moment. This ceiling is intended to stop large price jumps.

MOIT also introduces a calculation formula for primary wholesalers. The formula adds together the purchasing cost, supply‑sourcing expenses, standard operating costs, profit margins and taxes. While the first three items are based on actual business data, profit margins are set by the wholesaler and taxes follow statutory rules.

Standard operating costs are fixed by MOIT and are revised each year no later than 31 January. The revision uses the Consumer Price Index of the previous year; if CPI data are missing, the existing level stays in force. Primary wholesalers must report their real annual operating expenses, explain any differences from the standard, and submit an independently audited report every three years.

Independent distributors are free to choose their own retail prices, but they may not set a price higher than the highest price published by the primary wholesaler for the same region and time. When a primary wholesaler changes its price, distributors must adjust their selling price so it stays under the new ceiling.

In short, the new system gives traders flexibility while keeping a strict price ceiling and reporting rules to discourage collusion. Consumers should see more transparent fuel prices as the rules take effect.