Director of the Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development Tran Huu Linh addresses the 2026 mid-year review conference

Institutional reform creates new business opportunities

Amid broad-based economic growth, the domestic market continued to strengthen its role as a key growth driver. According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), total retail sales of consumer goods and services reached an estimated VND3,837 trillion (US$153.48 billion) in the first six months of 2026, up 11.3% from the same period last year. This provides a solid foundation for achieving the Government's full-year retail sales growth target of 13%-15% under Resolution 01/NQ-CP.

To support this target, the agency introduced a work plan at the beginning of the year covering 102 tasks focused on institutional reform, market development, fuel market management, administrative reform, digital transformation, and law enforcement.

Policy development was a major priority. During the first half of the year, the agency helped develop a resolution on promoting the domestic market and stimulating consumer demand, along with three circulars covering the petroleum price stabilization fund, petroleum trading, and product traceability. It is leading the drafting of two laws, seven decrees, six circulars, and six Prime Minister's decisions to further strengthen the legal framework for domestic commerce.

For businesses, one of the clearest positive signals has been the push to reform investment and business conditions. Following a comprehensive review, the agency proposed cutting more than 50% of business conditions for alcohol and petroleum, more than 70% for tobacco, and more than 30% for the gas business. These reforms not only reduce administrative requirements but also lower compliance costs, shorten market entry time, and allow businesses to devote more resources to production and operations. They also support the Government's efforts to improve the investment climate and strengthen national competitiveness.

The Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development also continued advising on policies to develop commercial infrastructure, logistics, marketplaces, and border trade facilities, with the goal of building a modern distribution system, improving supply-demand connectivity, and expanding markets for Vietnamese products.

Boosting local consumption to support domestic agricultural producers

Proactive fuel market management ensures stable supply

Amid continued volatility in global oil prices, the Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development closely monitored supply, demand, and prices while coordinating with ministries, local authorities, and petroleum wholesalers to implement timely policy responses.

As a result of these coordinated efforts, Vietnam's fuel market remained stable, with no supply shortages or disruptions. During the first six months of the year, total fuel supply reached approximately 14.855 million m³/tons, while market consumption totaled about 14.7 million m³/tons. Inventories remained at 1.6-1.8 million m³/tons, fully meeting production, business, and consumer demand.

These results reflect close coordination between regulators and petroleum wholesalers to maintain minimum supply requirements, diversify import sources, preserve commercial inventories, and closely monitor domestic refinery operations.

For manufacturers and logistics companies, fuel market stability is especially important because fuel is a major operating cost that directly affects competitiveness. A stable supply enables businesses to plan production more effectively and reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions.

Another important development was the nationwide rollout of E10 RON95-III biofuel on June 1, 2026. The agency gathered feedback from businesses, provided implementation guidance to petroleum wholesalers and distributors, and advised on support mechanisms and the base pricing framework for the new fuel.

The rollout not only supports Vietnam's green development goals but also creates opportunities for businesses involved in biofuel production, distribution, and supporting industries.

Building a transparent, business-centered market

Alongside institutional reform and market management, the Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development continued advancing digital transformation to improve regulatory efficiency and business services.

On June 1, 2026, the fuel and essential commodities management system officially became operational through a mobile application, connecting nearly 16,000 fuel retail outlets nationwide. Consumers can check fuel prices, locate nearby service stations, and report violations, helping improve market transparency.

Meanwhile, the VeriGoods.vn traceability platform continued to expand, with more than 1.095 million registered products and over 1.094 million products assigned identification codes. The system helps businesses strengthen product traceability, enhance brand value, and meet increasingly demanding market requirements.

Law enforcement also continued to protect legitimate businesses. During the first half of the year, the agency inspected and handled 74 violations, imposing fines totaling more than VND7 billion (US$280,000). Enforcement focused on counterfeit goods, products of unknown origin, intellectual property infringement, trade fraud, and violations in petroleum trading. At the same time, more than 1,300 calls, messages, and public reports were received, processed, or referred to local authorities for inspection, strengthening market oversight.

According to Director of the Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development Tran Huu Linh, despite a demanding workload during the first half of the year, particularly in fuel market management, institutional development, and administrative reform, the agency's units worked proactively and flexibly to complete their assigned tasks on schedule and to the required standard. For the second half of the year, he instructed the agency to complete all legislative projects, decrees, circulars, and policy proposals on schedule; continue implementing measures to stimulate consumer demand and develop the domestic market; maintain supply-demand balance; ensure fuel market stability; and further advance digital transformation, administrative reform, international cooperation, and law enforcement.

In particular, the leader of the agency identified achieving the Government's retail sales and consumer services growth target as the agency's top priority. Amid continued uncertainty in the global economy, continued development of Vietnam's domestic market of nearly 110 million people will remain an important driver of economic growth and resilience.