Vietnam inflation rises to 2020 high; trade deficit widens on fuel costs
Inflation
Imports outpace exports as energy prices weigh on economy
Motorcyclists line up at a gasoline station in Hanoi as rising fuel costs push up prices in Vietnam as well as the value of imports. © Reuters
MAI NGUYEN and YUJI NITTA
HANOI — Vietnam’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) in May climbed to its highest level since January 2020, as fuel costs surged amid spillover effects from the Middle East conflict and hot weather drove up electricity demand.