A fuel station in Hà Nội, Việt Nam. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has proposed extending the environmental tax reduction on fuel products until the end of 2024.

According to the ministry, it has started a process to collect opinions and feedback on the extension, which is to be submitted to the National Assembly for final approval. The tax cut, if passed by the NA, will take effect on January 1, 2024.

The proposal is a continuation of an already-in-effect tax cut, which imposes a tax rate of VNĐ2,000 per litre for gasoline, VNĐ600 for kerosene, and VNĐ1,000 for diesel, fuel oil, lubricant and aeroplane fuel.

When the extension expires at the end of 2024, the tax rate will go back to the previous level at VNĐ4,000 per litre for gasoline, VNĐ1,000 for kerosene, VNĐ2,000 for diesel, fuel oil and lubricant, and VNĐ3,000 for aeroplane fuel.

The ministry said the tax cut proposal is subject to change, depending on the global oil prices. The MoF has been and will continue collaborating with other governmental ministries and agencies to monitor domestic fuel prices.

In addition, slowing down the rise of fuel prices will likely contribute to the Government's inflation control efforts and stabilise the macro-economic factors.

All things remaining the same, the ministry said it anticipates a drop in domestic fuel prices in 2024 by VNĐ2,200 per litre for gasoline; aeroplane fuel by VNĐ2,200; diesel, fuel oil and lubricant by VNĐ1,100; and kerosene by VNĐ440.

According to economists and policymakers, fuel plays an important role as input in many industries. By slashing the environmental tax, the Government is aiming to provide additional support to all economic stakeholders and consumers, boosting economic recovery and helping businesses expand operations.

On the other hand, budget collection will likely take a hit, according to the ministry. Given the same amount of consumption anticipated for this year, the State budget will likely see a drop in environmental tax of VNĐ43 trillion (US$1.75 billion).

The tax cut has been praised by economists and the business community as one of the more practical and most efficient support policies by the Government for economic recovery post-COVID-19. — VNS