Vietnam's economy slowed in the first quarter from the three months prior, data showed on Saturday, as heavy exposure to Middle Eastern oil imports boosted inflation, presenting a challenge in reaching an annual growth target, authorities said.

Gross domestic product grew 7.83 per cent in the quarter from January to March over the corresponding period a year earlier, but below 8.46 per cent in the fourth quarter, the National Statistics Office said in a report.

"The pressure from rising input costs and energy prices on inflation remains, posing challenges for economic governance," the NSO added on Saturday (April 4).

Consumer prices rose 4.65 per cent in March on the year, driven by a surge of 10.81 per cent in transport costs, it said, accelerating from a rise of 3.35 per cent in February.

This year's growth target of at least 10 per cent is under pressure as the Southeast Asian economy imports more than 80 per cent of crude oil supplies from the Middle East, where the Iran war, now in its sixth week, has disrupted shipments.

"Entering the second quarter, Vietnam's socio-economic situation continues to face obstacles, and meeting the 2026 growth target remains a big challenge," said NSO Director Nguyen Thi Huong.