On inspection and supervision, Tan said monitoring is conducted at every stage, from production, blending and transportation to distribution, circulation and retail sales. All stages before products reach consumers are subject to strict inspection and oversight. Consumers are also encouraged to provide feedback and assessments to help support monitoring and enforcement efforts.

For companies directly involved in producing, blending, transporting, distributing and retailing biofuels, responsibilities for quality control are clearly defined under petroleum trading regulations and laws governing standards, measurement and product quality.

Surprise inspections planned for E10 suppliers

Representing the state management authority, Deputy Minister Tan emphasized that inspection and supervision responsibilities are carried out regularly through relevant enforcement agencies.

Inspections take multiple forms, including scheduled reviews and unannounced spot checks. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is continuing to develop inspection plans. The list of entities subject to inspection has not been disclosed in order to preserve the effectiveness and element of surprise in enforcement activities.

Tan noted that these inspection efforts are not new. Since E5 biofuel was introduced to the market in 2018, inspections have been conducted regularly and continuously, and they will continue to ensure biofuel quality standards are maintained.

For violations, current laws clearly define the authority, scope, severity and forms of sanctions, including administrative penalties, business suspensions and other measures depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense.

The ministry maintains that the transition to biofuel use must ultimately serve the best interests of citizens and consumers. Consumer protection remains at the center of policy design and implementation.

To protect consumers, Tan said one important solution is establishing effective mechanisms for receiving complaints and feedback related to biofuel production and business activities.

Government agencies, petroleum businesses, vehicle manufacturers and producers of engines and equipment that use biofuels should strengthen information sharing, respond to consumer inquiries and provide technical guidance, as many consumers may not be familiar with the technical aspects of biofuel use.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently developing guidance materials and question-and-answer resources to explain key issues and address public concerns.

In addition, information channels will be expanded, including the establishment of an automated hotline system to receive inquiries, provide answers and offer objective information updates to the public.

At the same time, the ministry has asked vehicle manufacturers and engine producers to review and reassess the compatibility of their products with biofuels. Some manufacturers have already published the results of these evaluations. Companies are expected to continue guiding users, preparing maintenance and repair facilities, and developing contingency plans for potential technical situations.

However, Tan stressed that no significant technical incidents associated with biofuel use have been recorded to date.

The ministry also considers cooperation with independent experts essential for providing guidance and resolving technical issues. Scientists and specialists have been invited and will continue to be consulted to ensure information provided to consumers remains objective and accurate.

Under Vietnam's consumer protection laws, regulatory agencies are required to maintain channels for receiving public complaints and recommendations. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the former Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment have operated such channels for many years. For issues related specifically to E5 and E10 biofuels, procedures for receiving and handling public feedback are being further refined in accordance with legal requirements.

Another key priority is ensuring adequate supplies of biofuel for the market. This responsibility is shared among the Ministry of Industry and Trade, other ministries, local authorities and relevant businesses. The ministry affirmed that supplies of both E5 and E10 gasoline will be sufficient to meet consumer demand.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with other agencies, will continue strengthening quality control measures and consumer protection efforts throughout the entire production, blending, distribution and consumption chain for biofuels.

Tran Thuong