Gas stations limit sales in face of price hikes in Vietnam

Farmers and motorists are finding it difficult to buy gas across the country of Vietnam. Filling stations are limiting sales, or only opening for a few hours or even staying shut apparently waiting for a gasoline price hike that could bring higher profits. Not being able to buy gasoline is causing farmers, local businesses and residents hardships in being able to work or live their daily lives. Pham Thi Hoa, a local coffee farmer in Lam Dong Province, says that local filling stations are open for only one or two hours per day. She indicated her family is spending VND 3 million (US$144) on fuel to be able to water her coffee fields. Other local households are unable to buy oil to run their water pumps. Some farmers complain that they have to buy fuel from street vendors at much higher prices than at filling stations which are now closed. According to market monitors in Lam Dong Province, nearly half of the 200 filling stations in the province are closed. Motorists in Hanoi and HCMC have also reported difficulties in buying gas for their vehicles. (February 23, 2011)