- Railway fares rise as fuel costs jump
- Tighter control of transport fees sought amid fuel price swings
HCMC – A temporary waiver on several aviation, maritime, and railway fees in Vietnam is in force from April 7 till June 30 this year to alleviate the financial burden on logistics firms struggling with volatile global fuel prices.
Under the Ministry of Finance’s newly issued Circular No. 40/2026/TT-BTC, these supportive measures aim to directly lower operational costs for transport enterprises, helping them maintain price stability for goods amid the ongoing Middle East conflict that has driven up international oil prices and freight rates.
The fee exemptions apply extensively across multiple transport sub-sectors, beginning with the aviation industry, where various appraisal and licensing charges are waived, excluding fees for restricted area access permits. In the maritime sector, vessels entering or leaving designated maritime zones will be exempt from port and anchorage fees as previously stipulated in existing financial frameworks. Additionally, inland waterway transport operating between domestic ports will benefit from a full waiver of port and terminal charges, further streamlining the movement of goods within the country’s river networks.
For the railway sector, the Government has authorized a 100% discount on fees for using state-invested national railway infrastructure, a move expected to revitalize rail freight transport during this challenging period. However, the circular clarifies that certain administrative costs, such as civil aviation certificate appraisals and aircraft mortgage registration fees, will not fall under this waiver program.
Starting July 1, all transport fees and charges will revert to their standard rates as specified in the original ministerial circulars or any subsequent amendments.
