Ba Ria – Vung Tau: The cradle of Vietnam’s energy sector

Oil & Gas Resources and Extraction

Situated near the Cuu Long Basin—one of Vietnam's richest petroleum basins, Ba Ria – Vung Tau is home to major offshore oil and gas fields, including the Bach Ho (White Tiger) field, Vietnam’s largest, operational since 1986. Though past its production peak, Bach Ho still contributes significantly thanks to enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques. Nearby Rong field and large gas fields Lan Tay and Lan Do supply critical fuel for southern power plants via the Nam Con Son pipeline.

Other fields like Dai Hung, Rang Dong, and Te Giac Trang also add to the region’s output. However, natural decline in older fields poses a challenge, urging continued exploration and development of new reserves. Despite decreasing crude oil output, gas production remains relatively stable and crucial to the national energy mix.

The province boasts extensive oil and gas infrastructure, including specialized ports (Vietsovpetro, PTSC, Sao Mai – Ben Dinh), pipeline networks, and processing facilities like the Dinh Co and Nam Con Son gas plants. These handle separation of natural gas components (methane, LPG, condensate) for diverse uses from power generation to petrochemical feedstocks.

Key industrial zones like Cai Mep and Long Son are hubs for petrochemical and oil processing projects. The Southern Petrochemical Complex under development will further solidify the region’s strategic role by producing core materials like polyethylene and polypropylene.

Future Prospects and Energy Transition

While facing production decline, Ba Ria – Vung Tau has promising prospects. Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) and partners are exploring marginal and deep-water fields using advanced technologies. EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) and IOR (Improved Oil Recovery) methods are being applied to extend field lifespans.

For operating fields, the application of EOR and IOR technologies such as gas injection, polymer injection, alternating water injection... will help prolong field life and increase recovery output from remaining reservoirs.

Natural gas is seen as a vital transition fuel. With substantial reserves and established infrastructure, the province is set to expand gas-based power, LPG production, and petrochemical industries. Thi Vai LNG terminal is being built to handle future imports as domestic supply tightens.

In addition, the investment in the Southern Petrochemical Complex project will be a great driver for the development of Ba Ria - Vung Tau and the Vietnamese petrochemical industry. This complex will produce basic petrochemical products such as polyethene, polypropene, styrene, and butadiene, serving many other industries.

The region is also exploring offshore wind power and green hydrogen as part of Vietnam’s 2050 net-zero commitment, leveraging oil and gas infrastructure and skilled workforce. Additionally, it aims to become a high-tech service and equipment supply center for the oil and gas industry across Southeast Asia.

On the other hand, in the context that domestic gas production may not be enough to meet future demand, Vietnam is planning to import liquefied natural gas (LNG). Ba Ria – Vung Tau, with its favorable location and deep-water port system, is planned to be one of the country’s LNG import and regasification centers. LNG terminals in Thi Vai are under construction and will be put into operation, contributing to ensuring energy security.

Ba Ria – Vung Tau will also continue to act as a hub for providing high-tech services, equipment and materials for the oil and gas industry, not only in Vietnam but also in the region. Investing in new technology and improving the competitiveness of oil and gas service enterprises is very important.

Challenges and Opportunities

In fact, the oil and gas industry in Ba Ria - Vung Tau has faced both challenges and opportunities. Specifically, the natural decline of large fields is the biggest challenge, requiring increased mining and application of technology to maintain output. Fluctuations in world oil prices directly affect the efficiency of oil and gas projects. The exploitation of oil and gas fields in deep water and offshore areas requires complex technology and large investment costs. The geographical location of offshore oil and gas fields may pose geopolitical risks, affecting exploration and exploitation activities. The requirement to reduce carbon emissions and develop renewable energy puts pressure on the traditional oil and gas industry. Oil and gas exploitation always poses risks of environmental pollution, requiring strict control measures.

Regarding opportunities, the demand for energy is increasing: Vietnam's economy is growing rapidly, and the demand for energy continues to increase, especially gas for power production. Ba Ria - Vung Tau is the gateway to the sea and the key economic center of Southern Vietnam, creating favorable conditions for the development of the oil and gas industry.

The system of seaports, warehouses, pipelines and modern gas processing plants is a solid foundation for development. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese government always prioritizes the development of the oil and gas industry as a key sector, ensuring energy security. At the same time, there are opportunities to cooperate with international oil and gas companies with experience and advanced technology to develop complex projects. In particular, the development of the oil and gas industry will promote supporting industries, creating more jobs and contributing to GDP growth.

Ba Ria – Vung Tau has been affirming its position as a leading oil and gas hub in Vietnam. Despite facing significant challenges from the decline in output of large oil and gas fields and the pressure of global energy transition, the province still has great potential for the development of the oil and gas sector. Promoting exploration of new fields, applying EOR and IOR technologies, and strongly developing the gas and petrochemical industry, along with orientations for renewable energy and hydrogen, will help Ba Ria – Vung Tau maintain its key role in national energy security and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s economy in the future. To achieve this goal, close coordination is needed between the State, oil and gas corporations, and domestic and foreign partners, along with strong investment in technology and high-quality human resources.

Vietnam's oil reserves are about 4.4 billion barrels, ranking 28th out of 52 countries with proven oil reserves in the world and in Southeast Asia. In addition, Vietnam's proven gas reserves are about 0.6 trillion m3, ranking third in the region.