Deputy PM Pham Gia Tuc has called for greater transparency regarding the quality, technical standards & vehicle compatibility of E10 biofuel, stressing that consumer interests must remain at the center of Vietnam’s nationwide transition to the fuel.
Chairing a meeting on June 2 with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and related agencies on the implementation of E10 biofuel distribution, the Deputy Prime Minister reviewed progress following the nationwide rollout.
According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, fuel consumption after the first day of nationwide E10 distribution was broadly equivalent to previous levels of conventional gasoline demand.
Nationwide consumption of E10 biofuel reached approximately 29,000 cubic meters per day, compared with an average daily gasoline consumption of around 32,000 cubic meters, as some retail stations were still selling remaining inventories of mineral gasoline.
Fuel retailers have fully displayed prices in accordance with regulations and, since the pilot distribution phase began in August 2025, E10 gasoline has consistently been priced lower than equivalent conventional gasoline.
Consumer interests must come first
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc speaks at the meeting on the nationwide rollout of E10 biofuel. Photo: VGP
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc said the nationwide roadmap for blending and distributing E10 biofuel is intended to provide consumers with reasonably priced fuel while aligning Vietnam with international practices.
The policy is also expected to contribute to emissions reduction, energy security and the development of domestic agriculture.
He noted that the transition to E10 has attracted significant attention from the public, businesses and wider society.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need for a shared understanding of the role and significance of E10, which consists of 90% conventional gasoline and 10% ethanol produced primarily from agricultural feedstocks such as corn, sugarcane and cassava.
“The transition to E10 is a sound policy consistent with the national energy development strategy,” he said.
“The most important objective of the transition policy is to create the best possible conditions for consumers and businesses. E10 not only helps reduce emissions and ensure fuel supply security but can also lower fuel costs. Experience so far shows that E10 generally meets technical standards and safety requirements.”
E10 gasoline has been widely used for many years in countries including the United States, Brazil, India, Thailand, European Union member states and numerous other markets. In many countries, E10 has become the standard fuel, while some have already adopted E20 blends.
International experience indicates that vehicles manufactured to current technical standards generally experience no technical issues when using E10, provided fuel quality and technical requirements are maintained. Countries that have successfully implemented E10 have done so through coordinated standards, quality control systems, blending infrastructure, distribution networks and public communication campaigns.
Since August 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with government agencies and businesses, has conducted pilot programs in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong to assess fuel quality, vehicle performance and consumer acceptance.
Clear guidance and stronger communication
E10 gasoline is sold nationwide on the first day of full-scale distribution. Photo: Thach Thao
Despite positive results, the Deputy Prime Minister noted several shortcomings.
Public communication about E10 has not always been sufficiently comprehensive, timely or consistent. Information regarding vehicle compatibility has not been fully explained, leading to uncertainty among some consumers.
Questions about which vehicles may not be suitable for E10, what alternatives should be used in special cases and how responsibilities would be handled if fuel-related technical issues arise have not yet been adequately communicated.
He instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant agencies to strengthen policy communication so that businesses and consumers receive complete, consistent and accurate information.
Authorities have also been directed to quickly develop and implement a nationwide communication plan explaining the role, benefits and significance of E10 while publicly disclosing information on fuel standards, quality, vehicle compatibility and consumer protection measures.
The Deputy Prime Minister additionally called for proactive efforts to counter misinformation and unverified claims.
“Consumer rights are the most important consideration. Every policy we implement must serve and protect consumers,” he stressed.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade will work with the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Science and Technology, industry associations and vehicle manufacturers to develop detailed guidance identifying vehicle categories that can use E10 and outlining special cases requiring caution.
The ministry has also been instructed to strengthen inspections and supervision of fuel imports and blending activities to ensure compliance with technical standards.
“We must not allow the blending process to compromise the quality of biofuel products or negatively affect consumers,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The Ministry of Public Security will coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Science and Technology, local authorities and businesses to monitor the nationwide implementation of E10 gasoline.
Vietnamnet.vn
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