As digital transformation becomes a cornerstone of development strategies for both enterprises and the economy as a whole, the requirement to issue electronic invoices for every transaction is subject to increasingly stringent demands for transparency in management and transactional convenience, particularly within the retail petroleum sector. Building on the successful implementation of the Decree No 51/2010/NĐ-CP and Decree No 123/2020/NĐ-CP, the Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) has once again taken the lead by successfully rolling out a solution to issue electronic invoices for gasoline sales to individual retail customers, in adherence with the Government's Decree No. 70/2025/NĐ-CP, issued on March 20, 2025.

Enhancing transparency of electronic invoices for petroleum

On March 20, 2025, the Government issued Decree No. 70/2025/NĐ-CP, which amends and supplements several provisions of Decree No. 123/2020/NĐ-CP related to invoices and documents. Decree 70 introduces key changes aimed at optimising the management of electronic invoices and tightening the invoice-creation process for businesses, in line with State management objectives.

Against the backdrop of a nationwide commitment to implementing the Politburo's Resolution No 57-NQ/TW (dated December 22, 2024) on achieving breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, and the Government's corresponding Action Programme outlined in Resolution No. 03/NQ-CP, Petrolimex stands ready to implement Decree 70/2025/NĐ-CP upon its effective date.

Effective June 1, 2025, Petrolimex's entire network of nearly 2,800 petrol stations nationwide will uniformly implement the electronic invoicing process for fuel sales as stipulated by Decree No. 70. Under this new process, each invoice will be digitally signed and transmitted directly to the tax authorities immediately upon completion of the transaction.

This process is operated through the Group’s ERP-SAP management system and the EGAS retail management system, which automatically connect to the AGAS fuel pump data management system, ensuring accuracy, security, and transparency. By integrating modern payment methods such as bank cards, e-wallets, QR codes, and RFID, Petrolimex offers convenience, speed, and security to customers.

The new system also enhances convenience for customers. Invoice management is simplified through a direct look-up feature on the official tax authority website (hoadondientu.gdt.gov.vn) or via a mobile application. This assists customers with their financial and accounting reporting and streamlines tax declaration and payment procedures.

Affirming Petrolimex’s leadership and pioneering role

The pioneering spirit in implementing regulations from the Government and regulatory agencies has demonstrated the role of a key State-owned enterprise like Petrolimex in upholding the law. This simultaneously contributes to enhancing the transparency of business activities, particularly within the petroleum sector.

Before this, Petrolimex had already set a precedent in the fuel sector. It was the first to successfully pilot e-invoicing back on January 1, 2018, under Decree 51. Following that, it pioneered the practice of issuing an electronic invoice for every single transaction across its national network of petrol stations, a system powered by an automated tech solution to guarantee transparency, accuracy, and convenience, in line with Decree 123.

This innovative invoice system earned high praise from both government regulators and customers nationwide. This success likely served as a critical basis for the government's subsequent issuance of Decree 70, which is designed to streamline management, boost efficiency, benefit consumers, and promote business transparency.

The implementation of Decree No. 70, effective June 1, 2025, will mark a significant milestone in the Group’s digital transformation strategy. This strategy aims to establish Petrolimex as Vietnam's leading energy group, providing green, clean, high-quality, and environmentally friendly products, all driven by Industry 4.0 technology and a comprehensive digital transformation.

Petrolimex does not stop at merely meeting legal requirements; it aims to build a future that is digital, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Pioneering the implementation of e-invoicing under Decree 70 and other digital transformation solutions serves as a testament to the Group’s commitment to innovation, enhancing service quality, and meeting customer expectations. These efforts help Petrolimex maintain its leading position while also promoting the nation's economic development in this era of innovation.

The issuance of digitally-signed electronic invoices for fuel sales to non-business customers, which are sent directly to the tax authorities in compliance with the Government’s Decree No. 70/2025/NĐ-CP reflects the consistent position of the Petrolimex leadership: To build a business management system that is transparent, open, law-biding, and protective of customer rights.