PRESS DIGEST - Vietnam newspapers - Oct 19

HANOI, Oct 19 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in the official Vietnamese press on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- - - -

VIETNAM NEWS

-- The Agriculture Ministry has urged local authorities to keep a watchful eye on bird flu cases as a nationwide outbreak is expected.

-- Petrol prices will remain unchanged in Vietnamespite global oil hitting record highs in recent weeks, Finance Ministry officials said.

-- Banks are reducing lending rates in an effort to increase lending and introducing new products aimed at boosting consumer loans.

- - - -

NHAN DAN

-- Vietnam has formed a riot police force better to protect the Dung Quat oil refinery, the country's first, and stabilise the social and security situation in the local area.