On Tinh Te forum, the account "Nam Air" expressed concern: "Is it true that A92 and A95 gasoline will be completely phased out? I read about the mandatory E10 gasoline use from January 1, 2026, but I’m still unclear. What exactly does it mean? Will regular gasoline be entirely eliminated, with all gasoline mixed with 10 percent ethanol, or will E5 gasoline be replaced by E10 while A95 is still sold?"

Hung Nguyen, on the OFFB forum, wrote: "A95 gasoline will be completely banned, not maintained alongside other types."

According to a VietNamNet investigation, the information about "mandatory use of E10 gasoline for cars from January 1, 2026" originated from a recent conference discussing the supply of gasoline and oil for the market, held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT). 

At the event, representatives from the Ministry and the Vietnam Petroleum Association mentioned the development of a new roadmap for implementing biofuels, with E10 gasoline expected to be applied from January 1, 2026.

The Bureau of Innovation, Green Transformation, and Industrial Promotion under the Ministry of Industry and Trade was tasked with drafting a circular regulating the roadmap for applying the blending ratio of biofuels with traditional fuels in Vietnam.

The MOIT’s Bureau of Innovation, Green Transformation, and Industrial Promotion has been tasked with drafting a circular regulating the roadmap for applying the blending ratio of biofuels with traditional fuels in Vietnam.

According to the draft, from January 1, 2026, gasoline produced, blended, and sold for use in road and waterway vehicles nationwide will be E10 gasoline.

From January 1, 2031, gasoline produced, blended, and sold for use in road and waterway vehicles nationwide will be E15 gasoline or biofuels with other blending ratios, depending on the development of vehicles and socio-economic conditions.

For biodiesel, the draft only encourages organizations and individuals to participate in production, blending, trading, and use.

E10 biofuel is a mixture of non-lead gasoline and denatured ethanol fuel, with ethanol accounting for 9 to 10 percent by volume. Similarly, E15 biofuel has an ethanol content of 14 to 15 percent by volume.

This will be a significant change, affecting everyone using gasoline-powered cars nationwide.

Bui Ngoc Bao, Chair of the Vietnam Petroleum Association, confirmed: "As we proposed and according to this plan, from next year, the market will no longer sell traditional mineral gasoline or E5 gasoline. This can be understood as phasing out these two types, similar to what was done with A83 and A90 gasoline. This means the retail distribution system will only sell E10 gasoline, and car owners will only have this type of gasoline to buy.

“Originally, E10 gasoline was supposed to be mass-produced and sold since 2017 as per the PM’s Decision No53, but the roadmap was repeatedly delayed, first to 2020, then to 2022. The implementation of biofuels in daily life has been very slow. 

“This time, we and MOIT propose implementation from January 1, 2026, without allowing parallel sales of mineral gasoline or E5.”

He also noted that putting E10 gasoline into use aims to protect the environment and promote green transport in line with international commitments, targeting net-zero emissions as per COP26. 

In the US and EU, there is only E10 gasoline which is compatible with modern car engines and suitable for older vehicles.

"Cars manufactured and imported into Vietnam since 2022 have engines meeting Euro5 emission standards. Using E10 gasoline makes them even cleaner, reducing pollutant emissions effectively. For Euro 3-4 engines, E10 gasoline use will not cause issues," Bao said.

However, Bao acknowledged that while E10 gasoline is more environmentally friendly than mineral gasoline, it has certain limitations due to its physicochemical properties, as many users are concerned about. 

Due to its high moisture absorption, if stored in the tank for a long time, such as in cars not used for extended periods, E10 gasoline may separate water and cause unwanted issues. Fuel consumption is higher than mineral gasoline but does not affect engine performance.

For older cars, car users will need to pay attention to regular maintenance, such as checking the fuel system, replacing fuel filters, and using anti-corrosion additives if necessary.

Car manufacturers like Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, Honda, Mazda, and Mercedes have globally announced their vehicles' safe compatibility with E10 gasoline.

According to Official Dispatch No 6246/VPCP-CN issued on July 5, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son agreed with this policy and assigned MOIT to develop specific legal regulations. 

Representatives of Petrolimex and PVOIL also confirmed that they will start selling E10 on a pilot basis from August 2025 in major cities such as Hanoi, HCM City, and Hai Phong.

Pham Huyen