The ministry is seeking feedback on a draft circular on the roadmap for applying the blending rate of biofuel with traditional fuel in Vietnam.

Under Article 4 of the draft, from January 1, 2026, all gasoline produced, blended, and sold for gasoline-powered vehicles nationwide will be E10.

From January 1, 2031, all gasoline sold for vehicles will be E15 or biofuels with other blending ratios as determined by MOIT, based on vehicle development, socio-economic conditions, biofuel production and import conditions, and energy security.

Until then, organizations and individuals are encouraged to produce, blend, trade, and use biodiesel (B5, B10).

Vietnam has sufficient capacity to produce, import, and blend for mandatory E10 implementation from January 1, 2026. It is estimated that the country will need 1.5 million cubic meters of E100 a year for blending, based on a total gasoline demand of about 15 million cubic meters in 2024.

Promoting biofuels in Vietnam supports a green economy, clean energy use, and the commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. Increasing biofuel ratios reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Blending E100 into commercial gasoline (RON92, RON95) helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment, and develop domestic E100 production, creating jobs and boosting rural and mountainous incomes.

Beyond economic benefits, the ministry cites international studies showing E10 reduces CO2 emissions by 3-5 percent compared to traditional gasoline.

Assuming E10 is applied to 10 million tons of gasoline consumed annually in Vietnam, the volume of CO2 emissions could drop by 640,000-800,000 tons per year as estimated by the Institute of Energy Technology (2022), 6-8 times higher than current E5 use in Vietnam.

Biofuels also reduce toxic emissions like CO, HC, and NOx due to higher oxygen content, enabling more complete combustion, and lower olefin and aromatic compound levels. This improves air quality, especially in major cities like Hanoi and HCMC, where air pollution is at alarming levels.

Does E10 harm engines?

MOIT stated that major automakers like Toyota, Honda, Ford, and technical organizations like SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) confirm biofuels E5 and E10 are safe for engines.

Conversely, E10 gasoline has a higher octane rating, which helps engines operate more efficiently and reduces knocking. This protects the engine, lowers maintenance costs, and extends the vehicle's lifespan.

The ministry cited Thailand's experience in developing bio-gasoline. The country has one of the largest and most developed automobile markets in Southeast Asia, with around 20 million passenger vehicles in circulation. The average vehicle age is 11–12 years, similar to Vietnam.

Accordingly, E10 gasoline was introduced nationwide in 2007. By 2013, Thailand had completely phased out pure gasoline with an octane rating of 91 and switched to using E10. Since then, E10 has become the standard gasoline.

After E10 gasoline, E20 (20 percent ethanol) was introduced in 2008-2009 as a premium fuel option. E85 fuel (85 percent ethanol) has also been made available for flexible-fuel vehicles that are specially equipped.

Technically, Thailand's vehicle fleet has used E10 for decades without issues. Even older vehicles from the late 1990s and early 2000s that are still on the road were designed to run on E10.

Automakers in Thailand have also confirmed that E10 and E20 are safe for all modern vehicles. This is reflected in warranty coverage as well as fuel recommendations provided in the owner’s manual. Typically, the fuel cap on cars in Thailand is labeled with “E10/E20 bio-gasoline OK” or similar wording.

The US Renewable Fuels Association notes E10 has been used in the US for over 20 years and is recognized as safe for all modern car and motorcycle engines.

Vietnamese mechanics and dynamics experts also deem E10 suitable for current vehicles in Vietnam.

The Ministry of Science and Technology’s tests confirm E5 and E10 do not affect engine durability if quality standards are met.

Recent surveys by Petrolimex, Toyota, and Honda in Vietnam further confirm their vehicles operate normally with E10, according to MOIT.

Vu Diep