Ho Chi Minh City proposes restricting gasoline, diesel vehicles from mid-2027

Ho Chi Minh City is proposing to gradually restrict gasoline and diesel vehicles from its downtown area starting mid-2027. This move is part of a planned low-emission zone (LEZ) aimed at reducing pollution in Vietnam's commercial hub.

The proposal outlines a pilot LEZ in the city's core downtown and the Thu Thiem urban area, covering approximately 930 hectares. After a two-year pilot, the LEZ is expected to expand to areas within Ring Road 2 by early 2029. This area currently has restrictions on heavy trucks and sleeper buses during specific hours.

The new timeline is a revision from an earlier proposal that aimed for implementation in early 2026. The adjusted plan seeks to better align with the development of green transport infrastructure and provide residents and businesses with additional time to transition to cleaner vehicles. Buses will be the first category required to switch to electric or clean energy when entering the LEZ in 2027, followed by motorcycle-taxi drivers and delivery riders, with taxis facing later deadlines.

The proposal is still subject to further review and formal approval. Meanwhile, Hanoi announced in June its own plan to phase out gasoline-powered ride-hailing motorbikes from its low-emission zones, starting with voluntary measures and a ban by January 2027.