The People’s Council of northern Hai Phong port city has approved a policy to waive infrastructure usage fees for petroleum and gas shipments passing through its seaport system until the end of 2026, in a move aimed at easing cost pressures on businesses.

At its first session of the 17th tenure on April 20, the council adopted a resolution setting the fee at zero for the use of port infrastructure, public service facilities, and utilities for liquid cargoes such as gasoline, oil, and gas. The waiver will be applied from April 1 through December 31, 2026.

According to the municipal People’s Committee, escalating tensions in the Middle East have disrupted global supply chains, driving up fuel prices, freight rates, and maritime insurance costs. Shipping routes have been adjusted, extending transit times and increasing logistics expenses worldwide, directly affecting import-export activities.

In Vietnam, logistics costs remain high, undermining business competitiveness. Authorities said maintaining existing port fees would further burden enterprises, impacting production, trade, and cargo throughput.

Under a 2016 resolution, fees were set at VND20,000 ($0.76) per ton for imported and exported fuel, and VND50,000 ($1.9) per ton for goods in temporary import for re-export or bonded storage.

The fee exemption is expected to help stabilize supply chains, support business operations, and sustain cargo flows through Hai Phong’s port system.