This marks the third price hike since the beginning of the month, with an increase of up to VND 41,000 per 12kg cylinder — the highest so far this year.
The global gas import contract price for December 2009 has increased by USD 65 per ton, announced on November 23 — a week earlier than usual. Taking advantage of this, some domestic gas companies raised prices early to benefit from the change.
As the global price hike only applies from December 2009, the Vietnam Gas Association has called on local gas companies to follow the proper price adjustment schedule in line with international prices.
“PetroVietnam Gas will not raise prices until the very last day of November 2009,” said Mr. Nguyen Si Thang, Chairman of the Vietnam Gas Association. Besides PetroVietnam Gas, other companies such as Petrolimex, VT Gas, and Shell Gas also did not raise prices during this round.
Another reason cited by gas companies for the price increase is the rise in the VND/USD exchange rate.
(Tuoi Tre 28/11; Thanh Nien 28/11)
