HA NOI (VNS)— The price of power will not rise this month, said director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Electricity Regulatory Department Dang Huy Cuong.

Cuong also confirmed at the ministry's meeting on Monday that there would be sufficient power for consumption and production for the next three months, despite a drought in many localities.

The electricity production was 10.2 trillion kWh last month, and 27.8 trillion kWh in the first three months of this year, an increase of 8.1 per cent compared with the same quarter last year.

The power produced by Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN) in the first three months reached 10.6 trillion kWh, making up 38.3 per cent of the electricity sector's total output, up 2.2 per cent in comparison with the first quarter last year.

The output basically met demand, the ministry said.

However, the electricity sector will still face difficulties in producing power due to unstable weather conditions.

Reservoirs do not have enough water after discharging for irrigation. As a result, the electricity output will lack at least 1.4 billion kWh, said EVN.

The dry weather in central and Central Highlands provinces means that 1.5 billion kWh may have to be produced by oil and diesel oil this year.

The Viet Nam National Coal-Mineral Industries Group and PetroVietnam will ensure coal and gas are available to operate thermoelectric plants when hydro plants lack water.

The ministry also required electricity companies to join hand with local departments of industry and trade to save on electricity.

If such measures were implemented, high-price electricity made by oil would be reduced, along with the likelihood of a power price rise, said Cuong. — VNS