Tighten controls on fuel smuggling across the border.

VTV.vn - The Customs Department has just sent a document to the Customs Sub-departments in the region regarding strengthening control and combating smuggling of petroleum products.

Accordingly, in implementing Official Letter 2389 from Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, Head of the National Steering Committee 389, the Customs Department ( Ministry of Finance ) has requested units to strengthen control and prevention of smuggling and illegal transportation of petroleum products across the border in the context of a volatile energy market.

The Anti-Smuggling Investigation Department (Customs Department) has requested regional Customs branches, especially those with land border crossings, inland waterways, and seaports, to continue strengthening patrols and inspections of vehicles entering and exiting the country, particularly vehicles such as boats, barges, and cars... that have or show signs of tampering with tanks, containers, or containers used for concealing gasoline and oil.

In particular, strict control must be maintained to prevent foreign transport vehicles from entering the country and purchasing fuel in addition to the standard fuel tanks on the vehicles, while also storing it in other reinforced cans, drums, or tanks before exporting it.

In addition, closely monitor vehicles entering and exiting the country, as well as boats and vessels showing suspicious signs, at anchorage and staging areas. During the monitoring of vehicles departing the country, pay close attention to checking the declared quantities of fuel being used and the amount of fuel supplied in order to detect and prevent the buying, selling, and smuggling of fuel.

Customs forces continue to proactively coordinate and exchange information with local authorities and functional forces to thoroughly understand the situation in the area, the methods and tactics used by border guards, and to deploy forces, resources, and plans to promptly detect, combat, and effectively handle violations.

Previously, on March 19, 2026, the Government Office issued Official Letter No. 2389/VPCP-VI to the Minister of Finance, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee; the National Steering Committee against Smuggling, Commercial Fraud and Counterfeit Goods; Ministers of Ministries, Heads of ministerial-level agencies and government agencies; Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities; and the Chief of the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee against Smuggling, Commercial Fraud and Counterfeit Goods, requesting strengthened efforts to combat smuggling and commercial fraud in the petroleum business.

Accordingly, the relevant authorities (Customs, Tax, Border Guard, Coast Guard, Market Management, Police) will strengthen patrols and inspections, promptly detect, combat, and prevent smuggling, trade fraud, speculation, hoarding, policy abuse, illegal transportation of petroleum products, violations of regulations on petroleum business and pricing; promptly and strictly handle violations in accordance with the law; and promote coordination, information exchange, and mobilization of collective strength in carrying out assigned tasks...

According to preliminary statistics from the Customs Department (Ministry of Finance), from the beginning of the year to March 15th, Vietnam imported nearly 2.71 million tons of various petroleum products, with a value of over 1.94 billion USD. Compared to the same period in 2015, petroleum imports increased by 42-43% in both volume and value. The sharp increase in petroleum imports is due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, causing volatility in the energy market.

Source: https://vtv.vn/siet-kiem-soat-buon-lau-xang-dau-qua-bien-gioi-100260324145319329.htm