Market surveillance forces recently inspected oil transport boats at Sao Mai Port in Vung Tau Ward and uncovered violations involving the trading and storage of diesel without clear origin and without the legally required fuel business licence.
During the inspection, Market Surveillance Team No. 21 found that vessel PL 28 was storing more than 2,000 litres of DO diesel of unknown origin, while vessel BY 27 was holding 8,012 litres of similarly untraceable fuel.
HCM City authorities discover a large quantity of DO oil of unclear origin on two oil tankers in Vung Tau Ward (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Market Management).
Following an investigation, the captains of both vessels admitted to trading diesel without verified origin and without proper licensing, in breach of regulations.
Authorities imposed an administrative fine of VND 50 million (approximately USD 2,000) on the captain of PL 28 and confiscated the entire volume of fuel on board.
In the case of BY 27, the file has been forwarded to higher authorities, who are expected to issue a fine of VND 115 million (approximately USD 4,600), along with the confiscation of more than 8,000 litres of diesel.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Market Surveillance Department, amid increasingly complex developments in domestic and global fuel markets, authorities will continue to strengthen inspections and strictly handle violations to stabilise the market and protect consumers.
