The Indel Ha Dong petrol station at 164 Quang Trung Street in Ha Dong Ward displayed a notice on the evening of March 5 announcing it had run out of petrol.
According to Dang Van Dung, general director for business at INDEL Investment and Development Joint Stock Company, the firm contacted 10 suppliers, including PV Oil, on March 5 but was unable to secure fuel supplies.
“Even with zero discounts, the company was willing to accept losses to import fuel for sale, but none was available,” Dung said.
The Ha Dong station typically sells around 30 cubic metres of petrol and oil per day, but demand has recently surged to between 40 and 50 cubic metres, quickly depleting reserves.
Currently, only the Ha Dong branch has suspended sales, but the company warned other stations could face similar shortages if supply disruptions continue.
The firm operates two petrol stations in the capital. The Ha Dong outlet on Quang Trung Road normally sells about 25,000 litres of RON 95-III petrol and 4,000 litres of diesel daily. Another station on Ngoc Hoi Road in Yen So Ward sells about 11,000 litres of RON 95-III petrol and 3,000 litres of diesel per day.
As of 6 am on March 5, the Ha Dong station still had 18,650 litres of RON 95-III petrol and 1,592 litres of diesel remaining, while the Ngoc Hoi station held 13,921 litres of RON 95-III petrol and 9,016 litres of diesel.
However, the company said supply shortages since February 28 have disrupted fuel distribution, leaving wholesalers and distributors without available stock.
A petrol station in Hanoi announces it had run out of stock on the evening of March 5 (Photo: Tuyet Lan).
The disruptions come as escalating tensions in the Middle East affect global energy supply chains. Reports said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, while some regional energy facilities have temporarily halted operations.
INDEL said it had sent official requests to the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade and market management authorities seeking assistance in connecting with alternative suppliers.
The company said it had maintained reserves ahead of the latest fuel price adjustment but the combination of limited supply and a sharp increase in demand quickly exhausted its stock.
It has also asked authorities for guidance and support in signing contracts with additional wholesalers to ensure stable petrol supplies for residents across the city.