The price of diesel in Vietnam has more than doubled since the start of the war in the Middle East, according to figures released by the trade ministry, reports AFP.

Diesel prices have skyrocketed about 105 per cent from February 26, two days before the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The government raised the price to 39,660 dong ($1.50) per litre, up from 19,270 dong last month, trade ministry figures showed.

The price of 95-octane petrol also jumped nearly 68pc over the same period, from 20,150 dong to 33,840 dong.