The Vietnam Road Administration stated that despite a decrease in domestic fuel prices compared to March, overall prices remain 30-50% higher than in February, creating significant pressure on transportation costs. Consequently, many businesses are continuing to adjust fares upwards and restructure operations.

In Hanoi, since mid-March, the Department of Construction has received proposals from 14 businesses to increase fares by about 14%. Recently, some operators have made further adjustments: Dang Binh Transport and Tourism Services Co., Ltd. increased prices on six fixed routes by 7-11%, Hoa Binh Transport Services Co., Ltd. Branch raised one route by 17%, and HVXT Transport Co., Ltd. Branch increased three routes by 14-20%.

Other businesses also raised prices: Ha Tay Passenger Bus Joint Stock Company increased one unsubsidized bus route by 18%, Doan Xuan Trading Co., Ltd. Branch raised one route by 17%, and Hien Phuoc Company increased fares on three routes by about 16%. Taxi companies, including Hanoitourist Taxi Joint Stock Company and Hanoi Taxi Joint Stock Company, implemented price hikes of 7% to 10%.

A passenger bus travels on the Chi Thanh - Phu Yen road. Photo: Tran Hoa

In Ho Chi Minh City, 38 out of 97 transport units announced fare increases on multiple passenger bus routes, ranging from 5% to 36%. Additionally, 12 unsubsidized bus operators raised prices by 20-40%. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction also noted that 4 out of 36 taxi companies increased fares by 6% to 27%, while electric taxis saw a reduction of about 10%.

In Hai Phong, 11 fixed-route operators and two bus companies proposed fare increases of 25-30%. In Da Nang, seven passenger transport units raised prices by 7% to 23%, and two bus companies increased fares by 14-20%.

Faced with fluctuating costs, the Departments of Construction in Ha Tinh, Son La, and Hung Yen provinces have recommended that the Ministry of Construction permit businesses to temporarily suspend operations on unprofitable routes. They also suggested not penalizing operators for running less than 70% of scheduled monthly trips due to necessary fuel cost reductions.

The Vietnam Road Administration has proposed that the government consider support policies for transport businesses. These include reducing or waiving road maintenance fees, terminal fees, and toll fees, as well as providing preferential loan interest support to reduce input costs and help stabilize transport fares.

Doan Loan