The Ministry of Industry and Trade is the lead agency responsible for developing and announcing the master plan for the development of LPG business facilities nationwide. This includes LPG production and processing plants, LPG storage facilities with a total tank capacity of 5,000m³ or more, and LPG import/export ports capable of receiving vessels with a tonnage of 5,000 tons or more. LPG business stations, filling stations, and LPG storage facilities with a capacity of less than 5,000m³ will fall under the responsibility of provincial People’s Committees for planning.
Conditions for LPG import/export require traders to have a business registration certificate that includes LPG import/export activities; a wharf within the Vietnamese seaport system under ownership or joint venture agreements; an LPG receiving terminal with a minimum capacity of 3,000m³; at least 300,000 LPG cylinders (commonly known as gas cylinders) of various sizes (excluding mini cylinders); an LPG filling station; and a compliant LPG distribution system.
LPG import/export traders are entitled to set LPG and LPG cylinder prices within their distribution system and are allowed to refill (decant) LPG into cylinders that meet circulation standards in the market.
In practice, illegal LPG refilling and decanting are major concerns and pose serious risks to safety and security in communities. Many tragic fires and explosions have resulted from the use of unsafe products or from LPG decanting processes that fail to comply with technical standards. For short-term profit, some traders have been conducting illegal LPG business activities.
To rectify this situation, the Decree clearly stipulates that LPG filling stations must meet seven conditions: have a business registration certificate including LPG filling services; a location consistent with planning and approved projects; filling stations and equipment that comply with current national technical standards; machines and equipment classified under strict occupational safety requirements; protective fencing for the filling station; a fire prevention and firefighting certificate; and complete operating procedures for filling LPG into cylinders and tank trucks, operating machinery and equipment at the station, and handling incidents.
Regarding LPG cylinders in circulation, technical safety inspections, product registration, and branding must be carried out. Used LPG cylinders must undergo re-inspection in accordance with regulations.
LPG cylinders and their paint must retain their original design shape, and each cylinder must have a complete file maintained as required.
LPG general agents are only permitted to display the signboards and logos of the LPG wholesalers with whom they have agency contracts, and the signage must clearly state the details in accordance with regulations.
LPG retail prices are applied under the market-based pricing mechanism with State oversight, determined by LPG traders after fulfilling all tax obligations.
(Government Website 1/12; Tin Tuc 2/12; Tuoi Tre 2/12)
