Vietnam mulls making E10 the only fuel for gas vehicles starting 2026

The proposal is part of a draft circular outlining the roadmap for blending biofuels with traditional fuels in Vietnam, which the ministry is seeking public feedback on. Biofuels include E10, E15 and other types of petrol made from fuel ethanol and mineral petrol blended in different ratios.

The draft also stipulates that Vietnam will switch to E15 or other biofuels regulated by the ministry from Jan. 1, 2031, based on the development of motor vehicles, socio-economic conditions, biofuel production and import capacity, and energy security requirements.

Since the start of this month, several key fuel distributors have piloted the sale of E10 in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and the northern port city of Hai Phong.

Dao Duy Anh, deputy director of the ministry’s Department of Innovation, Green Transformation, and Industrial Promotion, said that when E10 is rolled out nationwide next year, conventional mineral petrol, including RON 95-V, will no longer be available, as quoted by Nguoi Lao Dong (The Laborer) newspaper.

Regarding pricing, the trade ministry will ask the Ministry of Finance to consider and submit a proposal to the government and the National Assembly to reduce the environmental tax on biofuels, given their environmental benefits such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

Since the pilot introduction of E5-RON92 and its nationwide use since 2014, there have been no consumer complaints about negative impacts on engine performance or durability. Reports also show no evidence that ethanol blending harms engines.