HCMC – The HCMC Department of Industry and Trade has floated a proposal to regulate the opening hours of gas stations in the city following the recent closures of multiple gas stations.
The department proposed that gas stations in HCMC stay open for at least 12 hours per day, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., including Saturdays and Sundays, and for over eight hours per day on holidays.
Gas stations and retailers with business licenses would have to publicly announce their opening hours once the proposal is approved.
Gas stations should be allowed to temporarily close for 30 days for upgrade or repair and seven days when the owner has an accident, is sick or has a funeral or wedding.
For other reasons, such as a fire, explosion, flood, or at the authority’s request, gas stations could suspend their business for a certain period of time.
The department could revoke the business licenses of gas stations if they remain closed for over one month.
Under the current regulations, gas stations in HCMC can choose their opening hours at will.
“Some gas stations are open 24 hours while others are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or even close before 5 p.m. However, the demand for fuel is high from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.,” said the Department of Industry and Trade.
The proposed regulations prevent gas stations and retailers from changing or reducing their opening hours amid the fuel supply shortage.
