Draft law proposes to charge environmental fee for oil products’ purchase

Consumers in Vietnam will have to pay environmental protection fees when they purchase petroleum products effective January 1, 2012, according to a draft law being prepared by the Ministry of Finance. The proposed fees are VND1,000 (5 US cents) per liter for jet fuel and gasoline, except ethanol, VND500 (3 US cents) per liter for diesel fuel and kerosene, and VND300 (2 US cents) per liter for fuel oil and lubricants. Currently, consumers contribute VND300 (2 US cents) per liter towards the petroleum stabilization fund plus VAT, import and excise taxes. These fees are are included in the selling price of all petroleum products. (January 25, 2011)