Vietnam urges people to work from home to save fuel as Iran war disrupts supplies

Vietnam's trade ministry has urged local companies to let their workers operate from home to help save fuel as the war in Iran disrupts supplies and raises prices. According to a statement from the government on Tuesday, Vietnam is one of the countries most affected by fuel shortages since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran started, largely because it depends on energy imports from the Middle East. The statement emphasized that businesses should "encourage work-from-home whenever possible to minimize travel and transportation needs." Recent data from the leading fuel trader, Petrolimex, shows that gas prices in the Southeast Asian nation have jumped by 32%, diesel by 56%, and kerosene by 80% since the end of last month. On Tuesday, long lines of cars and motorbikes were observed at petrol stations in the capital, Hanoi. The ministry also urged businesses and individuals to avoid hoarding or speculating on fuel. On Monday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Minh spoke by phone with leaders in Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE to secure fuel and crude oil supplies. Additionally, Vietnam announced on Monday that it would eliminate import tariffs on fuels, effective until the end of April.