Fuel company Petrolimex to trial the sale of E10 biofuel in Ho Chi Minh City starting from August 1.
Vietnam is embarking on a significant shift in its fuel sector, with the adoption of E10 biofuel set to become mandatory nationwide from January 1, 2026. This move is a key step in the country's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and advancing its green energy transition.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has been actively working to address outdated regulations on fuel quality, market management, and E10 standards. The MoIT's efforts include introducing measures such as ethanol price subsidies, finalising technical standards, enhancing public communication, and expanding biofuel distribution networks.
The pilot phase of E10 biofuel sales began on August 1, 2025, with the National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) trialling the product at selected stations in Ho Chi Minh City. This pilot rollout serves as a foundation for potential nationwide expansion of E10 biofuel sales.
The use of biofuel blends is already mandated by law in the US and Europe, and more than 60 countries worldwide, including Asian nations like China and the Philippines, have already adopted E10. However, the pace of adoption varies, with countries facing regulatory and infrastructure challenges.
E10 biofuel offers numerous environmental and performance benefits. Containing 9-10% bioethanol, E10 gasoline improves combustion quality, leading to lower emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC), key pollutants contributing to air pollution and the greenhouse effect. This helps mitigate climate change.
Moreover, the oxygenation from ethanol enhances combustion efficiency, improving engine operation compared to traditional mineral gasolines. E10 also supports energy independence and sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, promoting the use of renewable bioethanol, and supporting a circular economy.
The MoIT has emphasised the need for a specific roadmap with at least six months of lead time for businesses to prepare. Studies confirm that E10 is compatible with most gasoline engines, including older models. The MoIT's measures also aim to support E10 deployment, particularly in rural, mountainous, and island areas.
As Vietnam moves towards a greener future, the transition to E10 biofuel is a crucial step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel efficiency. While challenges remain, the benefits of E10 biofuel make it a promising solution for Vietnam's energy needs.
[1] Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) of Vietnam [2] Petroleum Association of Vietnam [4] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States
- To ensure a smooth transition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) of Vietnam is working closely with the Petroleum Association of Vietnam to address regulatory and infrastructure challenges.
- The MoIT has initiated several actions to improve E10 biofuel availability, such as introducing ethanol price subsidies, finalizing technical standards, and expanding distribution networks.
- In the face of resistance from certain sectors, the government is enacting laws to mandate the use of E10 biofuel, following the lead of countries like the US, Europe, China, and the Philippines.
- With over 60 countries worldwide adopting E10 biofuel, AI and science are being harnessed to study its compatibility with different engine types and assess its impact on the climate-change, environmental-science, and finance aspects of the industry.
- Businesses, particularly those in the renewable-energy and energy sectors, are being urged to prepare for the shift to E10 biofuel, as the benefits it offers in terms of emissions reduction, energy independence, and combustion efficiency make it a promising long-term solution.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States and similar agencies in other countries are expected to provide technical assistance and best practices for implementing E10 biofuel policies, fostering international collaboration on this critical issue.
- As Vietnam strives for energy independence and a greener future, the adoption of E10 biofuel mandates is intended to catalyze growth in the bioethanol industry and drive investments in renewable-energy technologies.
