Following the issue of Circular No 19/2013/TT-BCT by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, the prices of electricity will increase by 5% to an average of 1,508.85 VND per kWh, excluding VAT, against the current average rate of 1,437 VND.  This will take effect from 1 August.

The increased electricity rates are partially attributed to the rising cost of coal and gas.  Coal prices in particular have increased by 41%, depending on the type, since 20 April 2013.

To help low-income families, the price of electricity for households using up to 50 kWh per month will remain unchanged.  However, for up to 100 kWh of consumption, users will have to pay an extra 6,800 VND per month.  Above this, the extra costs per month work out to be 10,650 VND for usage between 100 - 150 kWh, 15,500 VND for 150 - 200 kWh, 26,000 VND for 200 - 300 kWh, and 37,200 VND for 300 - 400 kWh.