A bus on the new BRT line in Vientiane.

Ministry urges shift to buses, electric vehicles amid fuel crisis

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has urged people across the country to reduce their consumption of fuel as Laos comes under growing pressure from bottlenecks in global supply.
The appeal was issued by the ministry on March 25, following a Prime Minister’s Order citing measures to ease the impact of rising fuel prices and conserve supplies amid a growing shortage.
According to the ministry, the war in the Middle East has disrupted global fuel supply chains, affecting availability and costs around the world, including in Laos. In response, the ministry is calling on government agencies, businesses, security forces, and the general public to take immediate action.
Recommendations include using public transport whenever possible, such as buses and the Bus Rapid Transit system in particular, and making more use of electric vehicles to reduce reliance on imported fuel as reserves run low.
The ministry said collective efforts to conserve fuel will help stabilise the economy and ensure more efficient use of limited energy reserves during this critical period.
Vientiane authorities have introduced a temporary flat-rate fare on electric buses to help people cope with rising fuel costs and encourage greater use of public transport.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has introduced the reduced price on air-conditioned electric buses, charging 10,000 kip per journey, effective from March 23 to May 30.
The service was initially offered on Route 48 (Sikeut to Talat Sao), Route 23 (Thangone to the BRT Saphangmeuk station), and Route 40 (Nonghai roundabout to the BRT Phonkheng station via Lao ITECC).
Additional routes were added on March 25, including Route 28 linking the Laos-China Railway station and the BRT Saphangmeuk station, and Route 20 connecting the Lao Brewery Company junction and Talat Sao via landmarks such as That Luang and Patuxay.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 31, 2026)