According to a report submitted to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan by the task force overseeing the implementation of Circular 50, biofuel consumption reached approximately 980 million liters between June 1 and June 28.

E10 accounted for about 924 million liters, or 94.29% of total biofuel sales, while E5 represented 56 million liters, or 5.71%.

Vietnam now has more than 17,000 fuel stations, all selling biofuel gasoline, with E10 becoming the primary product. Eleven of the country's 26 fuel wholesalers continue supplying E5.

Nearly 300 consumer reports

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Nearly 924 million liters of E10 gasoline were sold nationwide during June. Photo: Tuan Hung.

The National Competition Commission under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has received 293 consumer reports related to E10 as of June 29.

Most concerned higher fuel consumption, reduced engine power, sluggish acceleration and difficulty starting vehicles. Some consumers also questioned fuel quality, reported difficulty finding E5 stations, or sought clarification on the responsibilities of fuel retailers and vehicle manufacturers.

According to the task force, major motorcycle and automobile manufacturers have confirmed that most vehicles produced since around 2000-2006 are designed to operate with gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol without requiring engine modifications or changes to normal maintenance.

For older vehicles, particularly those equipped with carburetors or aging fuel systems, some manufacturers recommend continuing to use E5 or servicing fuel systems before switching to E10.

The report noted that such vehicles are generally 20-30 years old and account for only a small share of the national vehicle fleet, meaning they are unlikely to affect the nationwide rollout.

Air quality shows early improvement

The report also highlighted initial improvements in air quality following the introduction of E10.

Monitoring data collected in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City showed declining pollution levels by late June.

In Hanoi, PM2.5 concentrations fell 31.0% and PM10 declined 29.6% compared with late May.

Ho Chi Minh City recorded broader improvements, with PM2.5 down 15.7%, PM10 down 14.3%, carbon monoxide (CO) down 65.2%, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) down 68.6%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) down 57.6%, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) down 38.5%, and ozone (O₃) down 14.4%.

The task force said the findings indicate early environmental benefits from the nationwide adoption of E10 gasoline while confirming that Vietnam's technical foundation for implementing the fuel remains robust.

Tam An