Steady rollout of E10 petrol now underway

Vietnam is preparing to roll out E10 petrol, marking a shift towards greener transport energy while placing rising demands on policy coordination, supply capacity, and market infrastructure.

- By Nguyen Thu

From June 1, petrol blended with 10 per cent bioethanol, a renewable fuel typically made from crops and more commonly known as E10 fuel, will be rolled out nationwide.

The roadmap was set out by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) in November and began to take effect on January 1.

At a workshop last week on the transition held in Hanoi, Dr. Dang Tat Thanh from the Department of Innovation, Green Transition, and Industrial Promotion under the MOIT said it was a timely policy move, providing regulatory clarity for the next phase of biofuel development.

"The roadmap does not impose a rigid mandate. Based on socioeconomic conditions, supply-demand dynamics, pricing trends, and technical readiness, the Minister of Industry and Trade may adjust blending ratios or introduce additional fuel grades where appropriate," Thanh said.

This flexible approach is intended to safeguard energy security while protecting legitimate consumer interests. In parallel, E5 RON92 petrol will continue to be supplied until the end of 2030, creating additional room for market adaptation.

From an energy security perspective, biofuels offer clear advantages. Ethanol produced domestically from renewable feedstocks such as cassava, maize, and sugarcane helps reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Economically, petroleum products remain a major contributor to the state budget, generating an estimated VND250-300 trillion ($9.64-11.6 billion) annually, while ethanol production opens up new opportunities for industrial growth, job creation, and domestic value addition.