Smooth process thus far for nationwide petroleum shift

More than two weeks after Vietnam expanded the use of E10 petrol nationwide, the most notable outcome is not the volume of fuel consumed but the absence of disruption.

- Nguyen Huong

At last week’s conference on development of biofuel, Dao Duy Anh, deputy director general of Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that after 15 days of implementation, nationwide petrol consumption reached approximately 540 million litres, including around 500 million litres of E10 and 40 million litres of E5.

Total fuel demand remained broadly unchanged compared with the period when mineral-based RON95 petrol dominated the market. Across transportation, agriculture, inland waterways and logistics, no significant incidents or operational interruptions linked to E10 usage have been reported.

For many observers, this smooth transition represents an important milestone in Vietnam’s green transformation journey. “The most positive result is that the market has accepted the programme in a stable manner,” Anh said.

“Questions and concerns from consumers are normal whenever a new type of fuel is introduced, particularly one that directly affects vehicles and personal assets. What matters is that E10 has entered the economy without causing significant impacts on production, business activities or transportation,” he continued.

The early results suggest that Vietnam’s transition to biofuel has been carefully prepared rather than hastily implemented.

Economic expert Tran Dinh Thien noted that the country had spent months conducting assessments, pilot programmes, and technical preparations before moving ahead with nationwide deployment.

“Fifteen days are not enough to evaluate long-term impacts, but current reports show no major incidents or negative market reactions. That is an encouraging signal and should be communicated objectively to society,” he said.