From gig workers to fishermen: Vietnam's fuel shock exposes a country built on one oil route - Silicon Canals

"Vietnam's energy architecture concentrates risk at every level, relying on Kuwaiti crude that travels through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has imposed tolls and blockades. This single-source dependency has left the country vulnerable to significant disruptions."

"The Nghi Son refinery complex, which supplies a large portion of Vietnam's petrol needs, was warned that its crude supplies could run out by the end of May, highlighting the critical nature of the energy supply chain."

"The gig economy in Ho Chi Minh City exemplifies the human cost of this crisis, with workers like e-hailing motorcycle drivers facing steep fuel expenses that consume half of their earnings, illustrating the uneven distribution of economic impacts."

Vietnam's economy heavily relies on Kuwaiti crude oil transported through the vulnerable Strait of Hormuz. The Nghi Son refinery, crucial for petrol supply, faced imminent shortages. The lack of diversified energy sources and minimal strategic reserves exacerbated the crisis. The impact of this structural dependency was most severe on low-income workers, particularly gig economy participants, who struggled with rising fuel costs. The situation illustrates the broader consequences of energy infrastructure vulnerabilities when faced with geopolitical tensions.

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