HCMC parking lot owner fined for price gouging during April 30 celebrations

By Ho Dinh May 8, 2025 | 07:48 pm PT

A HCMC company that charged motorbike owners VND100,000 (US$4) for parking during celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of reunification on April 30 has been fined VND31.5 million.

District 3 authorities Thursday hauled up Van Trung Trading and Public Services Co., Ltd. for two violations: charging higher-than-regulated parking fees and failing to publicly list service prices.

A police officer takes photos of documents presented by a staff (R) at a parking lot owned by Van Trung Trading and Public Services Co., Ltd in HCMC's District 3, April 30, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Bang

The authorized parking fee at schools, recreational areas and public venues is VND4,000–6,000.

Many people parked their motorbikes early in the morning at a lot operated by the company on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street before leaving to watch the parade.

When they came to retrieve their vehicles a little later they were charged VND100,000, leading to public outrage.

Some customers filmed the incident and reported it to the police.