How can we resolve the fuel shortage?

The government is trying to lower the cost of fuel by reducing the fees paid to the road maintenance fund and lowering taxes and other fees paid by businesses, in order to keep prices from spiralling out of control. Authorities are monitoring petrol stations to prevent the hoarding of fuel. Vientiane Times asked some members of the public about their views on this issue.

Mr Sisong Xaikia, an official in Oudomxay province: It’s not easy to solve this problem in a few days because it’s a new issue for us. We never had this kind of problem. Recently, the people’s need for fuel has increased but the country doesn’t have enough fuel to meet all the needs. The most important thing for now is that we should try to avoid using our cars and motorcycles to save fuel. I would like to call on the authorities and the government to show greater responsibility on this issue, because they should have planned for this in advance. On the other hand, when we have a problem, they should hurry up and do something so that people don’t worry too much.
 
Ms Khamphout Soliphon, a resident of Luang Prabang province: It’s not a big problem if people sell fuel at their shops or along the streets at a slightly higher price, because it depends on whether people are happy to buy fuel from them. But the problem is about the quality. I think fuel stations should limit the number of people who can buy fuel every day, especially for people who don’t bring their cars directly to the fuel station, as this will prevent the hoarding of fuel.
 
Mr Laiphone Keoaudon, an official in Vientiane province: It’s all about the government showing responsibility because only it can resolve this problem. We know people need to use fuel every day. During the initial outbreak of Covid-19, there weren’t enough masks and the price of masks was very high, because some selfish people bought all the masks and then hoarded them to sell at higher prices. The government should put in place rules to control the prices. Earlier, the government had said that people found selling goods at higher prices would be fined, but nothing happened.

Mr Andreas, an expatriate: I don’t want to talk about short-term solutions because it can’t really help, but I think people in Laos need to realise that the public transportation system is not good. Your government didn’t invest enough on public transportation, both in the towns and outside. It’s one of the the main causes for having to import too much fuel. Very few people use public buses to go to work. Why? I hope motorists and your government will use these experiences to think of what we need to improve or develop.
 
Ms Minta, a resident in Xaythany district: Many drivers in Vientiane, including me, are starting to stock up on fuel because we don’t know how long it will take for this issue to be resolved. I keep the tank of my car full because I worry about vendors taking advantage of the situation and increasing the price of fuel. Almost all products in Laos, including fuel, are imported and I think it is quite hard for the authorities to tackle this issue. To resolve this issue, I call on everyone to be honest, not take advantage of the situation, and not think only of their own benefit. The gas stations need to have rules and regulations that ensure all people can get fuel.

By Lamphone and Patithin
(Latest Update May 13, 2022)