[Vietnam's Capital Plagued by Severe Smog, Government Urges Factory Output Cuts]

Published: Dec 14, 2025 21:51

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According to CCTV News, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has been grappling with severe smog for several consecutive days. Data from the air pollution information app AirVisual showed that at noon on December 11th, Hanoi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 243, placing it as the fourth most air-polluted city globally. In terms of PM2.5 concentration, the pollution level in Hanoi might be approximately 50 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended standard of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. Earlier this week, the city also topped the list of the world's most air-polluted cities on multiple occasions. In response to the pollution, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health urged power, steel, and chemical plants to reduce production output earlier this week. Hanoi also plans to implement a ban on gasoline-powered motorcycles in parts of the city center from mid-2026, with the prohibition to be gradually extended to fuel-powered cars thereafter. Reports indicate that motorcycles are the primary mode of transport for Hanoi residents, with the city hosting around 7 million motorcycles and over 1 million cars.

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