PV GAS LPG Mien Nam announced a significant price adjustment from 1/4, with each 12 kg cylinder now costing 660,081 Vietnamese dong. This marks an increase of 7,917 Vietnamese dong per kg (including VAT), or approximately 95,000 Vietnamese dong per cylinder from the previous period. For 45 kg cylinders, the price surged by 356,250 Vietnamese dong, pushing the retail price close to 2,5 million Vietnamese dong per cylinder.
Other companies also implemented similar increases. Saigon Petro raised gas prices by 7,917 Vietnamese dong per kg, pushing the retail price of a 12 kg cylinder to about 654,500 Vietnamese dong. Vietnam Liquefied Gas Company Limited (VT GAS) reported this was the 4th adjustment since early March, with prevailing prices now around 600,000 Vietnamese dong for a 12 kg cylinder and approximately 2,248 million Vietnamese dong for a 45 kg cylinder.
Overall, the price of a 12 kg gas cylinder has increased by 190,000-230,000 Vietnamese dong in just over one month, varying by supplier. The current price of around 660,000 Vietnamese dong per cylinder (for the gas content alone) now significantly surpasses the previous high of approximately 516,000 Vietnamese dong recorded in March 2022.
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Gas at a VT GAS distribution agent. Photo: Thuy Nhu |
Companies state the announced figures represent the maximum retail price for consumers. Actual prices at individual stores or agents may be lower, depending on sales policies and region.
Price increase pressure is widespread in the retail market. A representative from a gas agent in TP HCM stated they have never witnessed such continuous price fluctuations, with adjustments occurring two to four times in just over one month. Consumers are affected, and agents face difficulties due to scarce supply and rapidly changing import prices.
The main reason for the increases stems from significant fluctuations in world prices. Companies reported that the Contract Price (CP) for April 2026 increased to 775 USD per ton, 232,5 USD higher than last month. Additionally, the "premium" cost – the difference compared to the CP price – rose sharply amid tight supply.
International market data indicates the CP for March 2026 was approximately 545 USD per ton for propane and 540 USD per ton for butane. However, actual import prices were significantly higher because the premium sometimes increased by several hundred USD per ton, far exceeding previous normal levels.
Pressure stems not only from costs but also from regional supply. The Southeast Asian market is experiencing shortages, forcing countries to compete for available LPG shipments, which continues to drive up prices. Additionally, chartering shipping vessels is difficult, as schedules must be booked one-half to one month in advance, reducing the ability to respond to unexpected fluctuations.
A PV GAS representative stated the company is coordinating with partners to ensure LPG supply for the market in the coming months. They are also seeking solutions to share difficulties with the distribution system amidst ongoing price volatility.
Thi Ha
