Reversal up more than 1%

Gas prices today (March 26) reversed to increase more than 1% after a series of 4 consecutive sessions of decline. According to Oilprice.com, many coal-fired power plants in the US are expected to extend their operating time, mainly due to the strong increase in electricity demand from the development of AI and data centers, not because of the Trump administration's coal support policy...

World market

Recorded on Oilprice.com at 08:17 on March 26, 2025 (Vietnam time), world natural gas prices reversed and increased sharply by 1.09% (equivalent to an increase of 0.042 USD) to 3,882 USD/mmBTU after a sharp decrease.

Source: Oilprice.com

Many coal-fired power plants in the US are expected to extend their lifespans, largely due to the surge in electricity demand from the rise of AI and data centers, not because of the Trump administration’s pro-coal policies. While President Trump has been a vocal advocate of reviving coal plants, analysts say natural gas is the biggest beneficiary of this trend.

President Trump has tweeted that he will boost coal production to compete with China, where coal plants are booming. Details of the move are unclear. Coal currently accounts for only about 15-16% of electricity generation in the United States, a sharp decline due to the rise of renewable energy and cheap natural gas. In addition, environmental regulations have increased the cost of operating coal plants, making them less competitive.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have both stressed that a full revival of the coal industry is unlikely. Utilities are planning to retire about 12.3 gigawatts of capacity by 2025, 66% of which is coal-fired. However, some, like Georgia Power, are planning to extend operations until 2034 to meet rising electricity demand.

The EIA forecasts that coal-fired power generation could temporarily increase by 6% in 2025 as gas prices rise, but decline by 8% in 2026. Power plants still favor natural gas for its flexibility and lower costs. According to Goldman Sachs, US electricity demand will increase by an average of 2.4% per year through 2030, with much of the growth related to AI. Natural gas is considered the top choice to meet this demand because of its 24/7 availability.

Despite rising electricity demand, experts say building new coal plants is impractical. Investors are focusing on longer-term, less risky solutions like natural gas and renewable energy, according to Oilprice.com.

Domestic gas prices

Due to the slight decrease in world gas prices, many businesses adjusted domestic retail gas prices down in March, the second month in 2025 that gas prices decreased. In January 2025, gas prices decreased by VND3,500/12kg, due to the world gas price decreasing by USD12.5/ton compared to December 2024.

Specifically, the retail price of Petrolimex gas cylinders (including VAT) in March 2025 in the Hanoi market is 457,400 VND/12kg household cylinder; 1,829,600 VND/48kg industrial cylinder, respectively decreasing by 2,700 VND/12kg cylinder and 10,500 VND/48kg cylinder (including VAT).

Similarly, gas prices of City Petro, Vimexco, Vina Pacific Petro at Pacific Petroleum Trading Joint Stock Company (Gas Pacific Petro) decreased by 167 VND/kg.

Specifically, the 6kg cylinder will be reduced by 1,000 VND/cylinder and the new selling price is 275,500 VND/6kg cylinder; the 12kg cylinder will be reduced by 2,000 VND/cylinder, to 491,500 VND/12kg cylinder; the 45kg cylinder will be reduced by 7,500 VND, to 1,842,000 VND/45kg cylinder; the 50kg cylinder will be reduced by 8,000 VND/cylinder, to 2,046,500 VND/50kg cylinder.

Along with the downward trend, Southern Gas Trading Joint Stock Company (Gas South) announced a reduction in retail gas prices by 167 VND/kg compared to last month, equivalent to a reduction of 2,000 VND/12kg cylinder and 7,500 VND/45kg cylinder.

After adjustment, the retail gas price to consumers fluctuates between VND475,400/12kg cylinder and VND1,784,111/45kg cylinder (including VAT) in the Southeast region. This new price applies to the company's gas brands, including: Gas Dau Khi, VT - Gas, A Gas and JP Gas.

The decrease in domestic retail gas prices is a positive signal for both consumers and businesses. Especially after Tet, when households return to their normal lives and businesses resume operations, the decrease in gas prices will help save on living expenses and production costs.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/gas-price-hom-nay-26-3-dao-chieu-tang-manh-hon-1-247219.html