The information was shared by Bui Minh Thanh, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, at a workshop titled “Reducing pollution from diesel-powered vehicle emissions: Current situation and solutions for the Southeast region,” jointly organized by Vietnam National Industry-Energy Group (Petrovietnam) and partners on December 4 in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Thanh, scientific analyses indicate that diesel-powered vehicles are among the major sources of PM2.5 particulate matter as well as NOx and SOx emissions, which directly affect public health and urban environmental quality. Practical data assessments, scientific evidence, advanced modeling and international experience presented at the workshop provide valuable references for the city in refining its air quality management policies.

Building on these findings, the city will advance four priority measures. It will continue reviewing and updating regulatory frameworks and emission standards, strengthen vehicle monitoring and supervision, and improve environmental compliance across transport activities. At the same time, the city will accelerate the adoption of clean technologies and eco-friendly fuels by encouraging businesses to convert engines, install emission-treatment systems, and use cleaner fuels and emission-reduction additives that meet international standards.

Under the green logistics ecosystem initiative, Ho Chi Minh City will restructure transport infrastructure, prioritize low-emission vehicles, optimize transport routes, and apply smart management technologies.  It will also focus on mobilizing social resources and expanding regional cooperation, linking localities across the Southeast to roll out inter-provincial emission control programs while promoting public-private partnerships (PPP) in environmental technology investment.

The Southeast region, as Vietnam’s leading economic center, has the country’s highest density of freight transport, interprovincial road traffic, and inland waterway shipping, placing it under heavy pressure from transport-related emissions. This situation presents considerable challenges for emission control efforts, air quality improvement, and the achievement of sustainable development goals across the region.

Le Xuan Huyen, Deputy CEO of Petrovietnam, said the group regards its role in supporting Vietnam’s green transition as a long-term and consistent commitment. Ongoing initiatives in technological innovation and the development of environmentally friendly products, including solutions to reduce NOx emissions from vehicles, represent practical steps in linw with major government directions, particularly Vietnam’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

On November 28, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 43, stipulating the roadmap for applying national technical regulations on emissions for road vehicles, which will take effect from March 1, 2026. Huyen said Petrovietnam pledges to further expanding research, production and supply of products that meet international standards, helping localities, especially Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast region, strengthen air pollution control, improve living standards, and ensure sustainable economic growth.

Presentations at the workshop assessed current transport-related emission trends, shared lessons from major global cities, provided updates on national policies and the government’s emission-control roadmap, and discussed modern technological solutions, including emission-control systems and exhaust-reduction fluids for diesel engines.

Presentations at the workshop assessed current transport-related emission trends, shared lessons from major global cities, provided updates on national policies and regulatory roadmaps, and introduced discussions on modern technological solutions, including emission-control systems and specialized exhaust-reduction fluids for diesel engines.

Vietnam strictly controls vehicle emissions to improve air quality

The Ministry of Transport has implemented a series of measures to control the emission of pollutants from motor vehicles, Head of the ministry’s Department of Environment, Tran Anh Duong, has said.