In Vietnam, EV salesman fined for spreading false petrol price rumor

The man was identified as D.X.H., a resident of Huong Son Commune in Hanoi.

His violation involved spreading false claims that could harm the reputation of organizations and create public confusion.

Police in Nghia Do Ward monitoring online activity discovered a Facebook account posting inaccurate information about a supposed spike in petrol prices.

The post read, “Petrol is priced at VND34,000 [1.3] per liter. I heard it may rise to VND40,000 soon,” accompanied by a photo showing long lines of people waiting at a petrol station.

Officers later confirmed that the account belonged to H.

During questioning, H. said he works as an electric vehicle salesperson.

He admitted posting the unverified information to attract online engagement and increase followers in hopes of boosting vehicle sales.

H. voluntarily removed the misleading post and pledged to comply with legal regulations when using social media.

Hanoi police have urged the public to exercise caution when posting or sharing unverified information online, warning that false content can cause unnecessary public anxiety and negatively affect social order.

Individuals who publish or spread inaccurate information on social media will face strict penalties under Vietnamese law.

Under a new price adjustment on Thursday night, E5RON92 gasoline is priced at VND22,500 ($0.85) per liter, while RON95-III gasoline sells for VND25,575 ($0.97) per liter.