Update Date: September 23, 2026

The international transportation and logistics market continues to be affected by fluctuations in fuel prices and geopolitical developments in the Middle East. While global oil prices have fallen sharply over the past two sessions, container freight rates on several international routes remain at high levels.

At the same time, transportation, logistics, and import-export businesses should pay attention to upcoming policy changes related to fuel taxes, vessel registration and inspection, and greenhouse gas emissions inventories.

1. Global Oil Prices Fall Sharply as Vietnam Awaits the Next Fuel Price Adjustment

On September 23, 2026, Brent crude oil was trading at approximately USD 98.55 per barrel, while WTI stood at USD 89.69 per barrel.

Compared with previous sessions, oil prices have declined significantly following Saudi Arabia's restoration of an alternative oil pipeline and positive diplomatic signals concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the risk of supply disruptions in the Middle East remains. According to the market report, Saudi Aramco has announced a temporary suspension of crude oil deliveries to European customers in October 2026.

In Vietnam, retail fuel prices are currently based on the September 17, 2026 adjustment, with diesel (DO) priced at VND 29,945 per liter. The next price adjustment is scheduled for 3:00 PM on September 24, 2026.

Some market forecasts indicate that domestic fuel prices may decrease, particularly diesel prices. However, this remains a market forecast, and businesses should wait for the official announcement from the relevant authorities.

2. Fuel Tax Incentives Set to Expire

One issue that transportation businesses should closely monitor is Resolution No. 34/2026/NQ-CP, which extends the application period for preferential import tax, environmental protection tax, and VAT policies on gasoline and oil products.

The current policy is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2026. As of the publication date of the market report, there has been no official information regarding a further extension.

For businesses with high fuel consumption, such as container trucking fleets, inland waterway transport operators, vessels, and barges, changes in fuel tax policies may affect fuel cost planning for Q4 2026.

Businesses should therefore closely monitor official updates and develop appropriate cost scenarios rather than relying on a single fixed fuel price assumption.

3. International Sea Freight Rates Remain High

Although global oil prices have declined in recent sessions, international container freight rates continue to remain high.

According to the market report, freight rates on the Shanghai–New York route reached approximately USD 10,400–10,950 per 40-foot container in mid-September 2026, approaching the historical peak of approximately USD 11,900 per container recorded in January 2022.

One of the key contributing factors is the sharp increase in marine bunker fuel costs. Bunker prices have risen from approximately USD 543.5 per ton at the end of February 2026 to more than USD 900 per ton in mid-September 2026.

This continues to put pressure on ocean freight costs and may affect logistics costs throughout international supply chains.

4. New Regulations That Logistics Businesses Should Note

In addition to cost fluctuations, several new regulations are also affecting transportation and port operations.

Effective September 1, 2026, three Circulars issued by the Ministry of Construction concerning maritime operations officially came into effect, including:

• Circular No. 56/2026/TT-BXD on working and rest hours for workers engaged in special maritime activities.

• Circular No. 57/2026/TT-BXD on design appraisal and technical safety inspection of equipment and vessels used for offshore oil and gas exploration, exploitation, and transportation.

• Circular No. 58/2026/TT-BXD on the registration and inspection of Vietnamese-flagged vessels.

Businesses operating vessels, barges, or other maritime transportation activities should proactively review their registration and inspection documents, as well as relevant operating requirements, to ensure compliance.

In addition, Decision No. 42/2026/QD-TTg, which specifies the list of sectors and facilities required to conduct greenhouse gas emissions inventories, will officially take effect from September 25, 2026, covering 2,441 facilities across six sectors.

Large-scale manufacturing, transportation, and logistics businesses should check whether their facilities fall within the scope of entities required to conduct greenhouse gas inventories.

5. Can Gio International Transshipment Port Remains a Project to Watch

In terms of logistics infrastructure, the Can Gio International Transshipment Port in Ho Chi Minh City remains a project of interest to maritime transportation and logistics businesses in southern Vietnam.

According to the market report, the project has an estimated investment value of approximately VND 129 trillion and is being expedited for commencement in October 2026 under the direction of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.

Given its significant scale, businesses operating in logistics, maritime transportation, and port operations should continue to monitor the project's progress and official developments.

6. What Should Import-Export Businesses Prepare?

Amid continued fluctuations in logistics and fuel costs, businesses should take proactive measures:

First, closely monitor fuel prices and tax policies.
Particular attention should be paid to September 30, 2026, when the current fuel tax incentive policy is scheduled to expire.

Second, review existing transportation and fuel supply contracts.
Businesses should carefully examine price adjustment clauses linked to market fluctuations to minimize the risk of unexpected costs.

Third, proactively prepare logistics budgets for Q4 2026.
As ocean freight and fuel costs remain subject to significant fluctuations, developing multiple cost scenarios can help businesses better prepare their import-export plans.

Fourth, stay updated on new regulations.
Transportation and logistics businesses should review their legal documents, vessel registration and inspection records, and relevant transportation documentation to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Conclusion

The logistics market in September 2026 continues to face multiple sources of uncertainty: global oil prices have declined but remain volatile, ocean freight rates remain high, fuel tax policies are approaching their expiration date, and several new regulations are coming into effect.

For import-export businesses, staying updated on market developments and regulatory changes can help them better prepare transportation plans, logistics cost estimates, and appropriate freight solutions.

Songwin International Logistics Vietnam continues to provide updates on import-export policies, ocean freight, customs procedures, and logistics market developments to help businesses proactively manage their international trade operations.