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Oil Spill in Dung Quat Spreads to Rivers and Farmlands, Worsening Environmental Impact in Vietnam

Written by Rannyson Moura
Published on 26/12/2025 at 13:06
Updated on 26/12/2025 at 13:07
Vazamento de petróleo diesel em Dung Quat atinge rios e áreas agrícolas em Quang Ngai, gera poluição ambiental e compromete a produção local.
Vazamento de petróleo diesel em Dung Quat atinge rios e áreas agrícolas em Quang Ngai, gera poluição ambiental e compromete a produção local.
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Oil Spill of Diesel in Dung Quat Affects Rivers and Agricultural Areas in Quang Ngai, Causes Environmental Pollution and Compromises Local Production.

An oil spill recorded in the Economic Zone of Dung Quat, in the Vietnamese province of Quang Ngai, continues to cause environmental pollution and harm to the local population. Even after more than a day of remediation actions, the diesel oil spill continues to spread, affecting crops and streams used by rural communities in the commune of Van Tuong.

The incident was confirmed by the local People’s Committee on the morning of December 24. According to the official report, the spill originated from Sub-warehouse 85 of Warehouse 182, located within the Dung Quat industrial complex, one of the country’s main oil processing areas.

Diesel Oil Affects Rice Fields and Rivers in the Region

According to the authorities, the oil spilled directly reached agricultural areas and watercourses, including the Dam and Bau Ca Cai rivers. The contamination spread through rice fields and fields used for winter and spring crop cultivation, essential for the livelihood of dozens of families.

Even two days after the event, residents reported a strong odor of diesel oil along the banks of the Bau Ca Cai river. In various spots, the product could still be seen accumulated on the soil and mixed with water, increasing the environmental risk.

Moreover, the advancement of the spill raised concerns about water quality and the viability of crops, as prolonged contact of oil with soil may compromise the fertility of affected areas.

Operational Failure Identified as Initial Cause

Preliminary investigations indicate that the oil spill occurred during the importation of diesel oil from the Dung Quat Refinery to the depot. According to the report, the management unit of Depot 85 was working in conjunction with the team responsible for inspecting the flow meter at the time of the incident.

During the process, the fuel quality inspection unit reportedly executed the procedure incorrectly. As a result, the oil ended up leaking out of the controlled area, reaching the external environment and spreading rapidly through natural drainage channels.

Local authorities state that the episode is being treated as a technical and operational failure, while new assessments are being conducted to measure the actual extent of the damage.

Community Reports Losses and Fears Production Losses

Residents of the commune of Van Tuong say that the oil spill is already starting to directly affect agricultural production. Many farmers use areas near the rivers for seasonal planting, which increases exposure to the diesel oil spread across the land.

In addition to the economic impact, there are concerns about possible health effects, especially due to prolonged exposure to the vapors of the fuel. The strong odor reported by residents reinforces the alert for risks associated with inhaling petroleum-derived compounds.

Meanwhile, local teams continue to monitor the contaminated area, assessing the extent of the spill and its impacts on the environment and productive activities in the region.

Authorities Monitor Situation and Evaluate Additional Measures

After confirming the leak, local agencies conducted inspections on site and initiated emergency actions to contain the spread of oil. However, the ongoing spread of diesel oil indicates that initial efforts have not yet been sufficient to completely eliminate the contamination.

The authorities stated that new measures may be adopted, including reinforcement of the spill containment, cleanup of affected areas, and assessment of compensation for affected residents.

The case rekindles the debate about operational safety in oil-related facilities and the need for stricter protocols to prevent environmental accidents in regions near rural communities.

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Rannyson Moura

Holds a degree in Advertising and Marketing from UERN; a master's in Social Communication from UFMG; and is a PhD candidate in Language Studies at CEFET-MG. He has worked as a freelance writer since 2019, with articles published on websites such as Baixaki, MinhaSérie, and Letras.mus.br. Academically, his work has been published in books and presented at industry events. Among his research topics, a notable interest is in the publishing market, approached from a perspective that considers different social markers.

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