Ho Chi Minh City temporarily allows fuel sales on waterways

Ho Chi Minh City has temporarily permitted fuel sales on waterways and conditionally approved floating fuel stations to assist businesses and guarantee uninterrupted fuel supplies for fishing vessels. The city's People's Committee announced this through Official Letter No. 8117/UBND-KT. The Department of Planning and Architecture will collaborate with the municipal Institute for Development Studies to incorporate suggested locations into the city's main plan, ensuring alignment with water transport infrastructure and marine economic development goals.

The Department of Industry and Trade will oversee market conditions and ensure sufficient fuel for offshore vessels during business procedures completion. Upon fulfilling waterway port requirements, fire prevention, and environmental criteria, the Department of Construction must expedite the processing of applications for retail fuel sales.

The Department of Construction will guide commune-level People's Committees in handling applications, agreeing on technical specifications, and announcing floating fuel stations per Circular No. 21/2026/TT-BXD. Additionally, they will coordinate to address challenges and prevent supply disruptions at approved locations. The Department of Agriculture and Environment will support businesses in creating oil-spill response plans and enhance wastewater discharge inspections to safeguard aquatic ecosystems.

The city will halt floating facility operations that do not meet environmental safety standards. Specific communes, wards, and the Con Dao Special Zone are obligated to swiftly receive, assess, and promote floating fuel station announcements once guidance is issued. They will also intensify inspections of public security, order, fire, explosion safety, and waterway traffic safety at fuel trading spots.