The Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI) was established on May 22, 1978, based on the Geology and Petroleum Research Group, Project 36B under the General Department of Geology.

For more than 40 years, VPI has accompanied the country and the Vietnam Oil and Gas industry, overcoming the numerous challenges of the post-war era, conducting dedicated research, and actively innovating, while proactively integrating deeply into the international community. Today, VPI has truly become a leading science and technology organization in Vietnam's oil and gas industry. In several areas, it is on par with regional institutions, capable of effectively carrying out research, development, and providing technical-scientific services for the entire oil and gas value chain, through eight specialized centers: Exploration and Production; Analytical and Laboratory Services; Technology Application and Transfer; Processing; Safety and Environment; Economics and Management; Petroleum Training and Information; and Petroleum Archives.

VPI's scientific research results in recent years have contributed to the development of strategies and plans for the industry, shedding light on geological structures, evaluating Vietnam's oil and gas potential, and applying advanced technologies in exploration, production, enhanced oil recovery, selection of refinery and petrochemical technologies, gas processing, and addressing safety, environmental protection, as well as petroleum economics and management issues.

In the upcoming phase, as the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group strives to enhance the quality of growth and accelerate the development of core areas with numerous solutions related to science, technology, human resources, and management, VPI aims to establish itself as a learning organization focused on human capital. It considers people as the most valuable asset to be invested in and developed, based on three core values: "Ethics – Professionalism – Intelligence", serving as the intellectual backbone for all core business activities of the industry.

As a pioneering unit in implementing breakthrough solutions in science and technology, VPI will promote research and development; apply, innovate, and transfer technology; strengthen international cooperation; and increase linkages between science, training, and production. These efforts aim to significantly improve research quality, forming the foundation and driving force for the sustainable development of the industry.