Vietnam has turned to Japan and South Korea for support in securing crude oil supplies as global disruptions from the ongoing Iran conflict threaten the country’s fuel security.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hoang Long, raised the requests during an energy security summit in Tokyo over the weekend. Vietnam relies on two domestic refineries, which cover roughly 70% of the nation’s fuel demand, but most of their crude oil comes from the Middle East.

In discussions with Japanese officials, Long emphasized Tokyo’s strategic role and significant oil reserves, seeking assistance to diversify Vietnam’s crude oil sources. He also explored opportunities for Japanese investment in Vietnam’s liquefied natural gas and nuclear energy sectors.

Similarly, talks with South Korea’s industry minister focused on securing alternative crude oil channels to meet domestic energy needs.

Vietnam’s crude oil imports reached 14.2 million tons in 2025, a 5.3% increase from the previous year, according to government customs data. With energy markets destabilized by the Iran conflict, Hanoi is pushing for regional cooperation to maintain fuel stability.