According to estimates, there are currently nearly 70 gas trading companies across the country representing various economic sectors, along with over 20 gas cylinder manufacturing plants. The total annual gas consumption is approximately 950,000 to 1,000,000 metric tons.
At the forum discussing the current state of the domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market, Mr. Trần Trung Chính, Chairman of the Club of Gas Trading Enterprises and General Director of the Vietnam Liquefied Gas Joint Venture Company, stated that since the introduction of the Enterprise Law, gas trading companies have been established and grown rapidly. The participation of multiple economic sectors in gas trading has contributed to reducing the retail price of gas products, benefiting consumers.
However, the rapid and uncontrolled expansion of the gas market in the absence of a strong legal and regulatory framework has led to chaos and weak market control. It is estimated that counterfeit gas products account for around 30% of the market. This poses serious safety risks to consumers and causes significant economic damage to society.
Mr. Chính emphasized the urgent need for government authorities to improve regulatory documents and implement effective sanctions and strict penalties to ensure a safe, fair, and transparent gas market.
He also noted that gas companies must work closely with relevant agencies to inspect and monitor their products, develop and manage their distribution systems to ensure proper control of gas cylinders and gas sources.
Furthermore, gas companies should actively combat counterfeit goods and participate in establishing the G10 Association – an alliance of the ten leading gas companies in the industry.
(Source: Kinh Doanh & Tiếp Thị, October 5)
