The Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade has proposed to the municipal People’s Committee that the operation of 12 petrol stations in the city should be stopped in October, for failing to meet safety regulations. 

Hanoi to close 12 unsafe petrol stations 

Meanwhile, 32 others will be repaired and upgraded and the remaining two will be closed after their operation licenses expire in May 2014.

Regarding inventory, the department has recommended that the local People’s Committee permit these stations to continue operating until October 31 this year.

According to the department, up to 324 petrol stations in the capital city need to be upgraded to ensure safety standards.

Besides, the department needs to find new locations for the unsafe stations once they are ready to begin operations anew.

Under the department’s proposal, petrol stations near crossroads or located on small streets are only allowed to serve motorbikes in order to reduce storage of petrol.

Vietnam News Agency reported that, in June, the department also investigated 52 petrol stations in 10 urban districts and identified 15 that do not meet required standards for fire prevention or are located in crowded, residential areas.

According to regulations, all petrol stations  must meet certain basic requirements, including being equipped with fire extinguishers, having fire-fighting forces as well as a plan to deal with fires if they occur.