Travellers flying to and from Vietnam could face disruptions as early as next month, after the country’s aviation authority warned that jet fuel supplies may not last beyond March amid the regional energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.
The warning comes as fuel supply disruptions ripple across Southeast Asia. In Laos, panic buying emptied several petrol stations in Vientiane in early March after Thailand briefly suspended fuel exports.
Nearly half of Laos’ 2,538 fuel stations later reported temporary closures, while diesel prices surged sharply before a modest government price reduction provided partial relief.
Fragile Supply Chain
Vietnam imports more than two-thirds of the jet fuel required for airline operations. Until recently, about 60 percent of that supply came from China and Thailand.
Both countries have now restricted exports.
Reuters recently reported that China first instructed refiners to stop signing new export contracts before imposing a full ban on refined fuel exports beginning 11 March. Thailand followed on 6 March by suspending exports of refined oil products, including jet fuel, to most destinations.
Supplies from Singapore have also declined.
The sudden shift has left Vietnam’s aviation sector scrambling to secure sufficient fuel supplies.
Short-Term Supply Concerns
Vietnam’s aviation authority warned on 9 March that jet fuel shortages could begin as early as April if the situation continues.
Airlines have been asked to review flight schedules, while airports are preparing extra parking space in case planes need to be grounded. Major fuel suppliers Petrolimex and Skypec say they can only guarantee jet fuel supplies until the end of March, with Skypec urging authorities to prioritize essential domestic flights if shortages worsen.
Vietnam is now exploring alternative sources of supply.
Officials have identified potential suppliers including South Korea, Japan, Brunei, and India, although aviation authorities warn that securing new contracts quickly may prove difficult under current market conditions.
Even if supply disruptions ease, authorities say the sharp rise in fuel prices could still force airlines to reduce flights on routes that become unprofitable.
