The escalating conflict between the US and Israel against Iran has sent shockwaves across the globe, and one of the most vulnerable groups affected by this war are Vietnam's gig workers. In a country heavily reliant on crude oil imports, the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a significant rise in fuel prices, hitting gig workers hard.
For Nguyen, an e-hailing driver in Ho Chi Minh City, the impact is immediate and devastating. After a long day of work, he finds himself spending half of his earnings on fuel, leaving him with barely enough to survive in the city. This is a common story among gig workers, who are often excluded from labor protections and have no bargaining power with the platforms they work for.
The consequences of rising fuel costs are far-reaching. Public transportation is overwhelmed, domestic airlines are cutting flights, and even fishermen are struggling to make ends meet. For low-income families, the increased costs of fuel and cooking gas are forcing them to make difficult choices, often resulting in reduced time with their children as parents must work longer hours in cities to make up for stagnant wages.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the broader implications it has for Vietnam's energy autonomy. The crisis has highlighted the country's vulnerability as a net importer of oil, prompting policymakers to consider more aggressive measures to achieve energy independence. Building more refineries and exploring renewable energy sources are now on the agenda, with Vingroup, the country's largest conglomerate, shifting its focus from a liquefied gas-fired power plant to renewable energy projects.
In my opinion, this crisis serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global events and their impact on local communities. While the war on Iran may seem distant to some, the ripple effects are very real for Vietnam's gig workers and low-income families. It raises important questions about the role of governments in protecting their citizens from external shocks and the need for long-term energy strategies that prioritize sustainability and resilience.
Despite the government's efforts to cushion the blow with emergency measures, the strain on the economy is evident. As authorities scramble for short-term fixes, the long-term solution of energy independence remains a challenging goal. For now, many gig workers like Nguyen are left with little choice but to adapt and hope for a decrease in fuel prices, highlighting the precarious nature of their work and the urgent need for better labor protections.
