Hanoi: Vietnam will begin nationwide sales of E10 petrol from June 1, with government agencies, automakers and fuel suppliers assuring consumers that the ethanol-blended fuel is safe for most vehicles currently on the road.
E10 petrol, which contains 10% ethanol and 90% conventional petrol, is being introduced as part of Vietnam’s strategy to reduce emissions, lower dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen energy security and create new markets for domestic agricultural feedstocks, Nhan Dan reported.
Addressing concerns about engine performance and durability, officials from Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade said extensive studies and field trials have found no evidence that E10 fuel damages vehicle engines.
Dao Duy Anh, Deputy Head of the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion, said the ministry conducted detailed assessments before finalising the biofuel roadmap. Research carried out by scientists from Hanoi University of Science and Technology and the University of Transport and Communications concluded that both E5 and E10 fuels have no negative impact on engine performance or durability.
Vietnam has been using E5 petrol nationwide since 2018, while E10 has been undergoing pilot implementation since August 2025.
“Neither distributors nor the Ministry of Industry and Trade have received any feedback indicating that E5 or E10 petrol adversely affects vehicle engine performance or durability,” Anh said.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said E10 has been thoroughly researched and tested and is suitable for the vast majority of vehicles currently in circulation.
The ministry noted that countries such as the United States and Brazil have used E10 petrol since the 1980s, while Southeast Asian nations including Thailand and Philippines have already adopted higher ethanol blends such as E15 and are moving towards E20 without significant engine-related issues.
Industry groups also backed the rollout. According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, modern vehicles are designed with alcohol-resistant materials that can safely handle E10 fuel without causing corrosion or premature wear of fuel-system components.
The Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers similarly stated that most motorcycles can safely use E10 petrol. While some rubber seals and fuel hoses in very old vehicles may age faster over time, such effects are limited to certain components and do not directly affect engine performance.
Do Van Tuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Biofuels Association, said most motorcycles manufactured since 2000 are fully compatible with E10 fuel.
Experts advised vehicle owners to avoid leaving vehicles unused for long periods with partially filled fuel tanks, as ethanol can absorb moisture and potentially lead to water condensation. Regular replacement of fuel filters according to manufacturer recommendations is also encouraged.
Fuel suppliers say they are prepared for the transition. A representative of Petrolimex said the company has already completed supply planning and procurement arrangements to meet expected demand, noting that E5 and E10 fuels have been handled under strict quality-control procedures without recorded incidents since 2018.
Meanwhile, Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Corporation recently delivered its first 12,000-cubic-metre shipment of E10 petrol and plans to produce between 80,000 and 100,000 cubic metres of the fuel each month.
Industry stakeholders said the successful expansion of E10 will depend on maintaining stable ethanol supplies, developing domestic feedstock production, strengthening distribution infrastructure and ensuring public awareness about the benefits and safety of biofuels.
The nationwide rollout marks another step in Vietnam’s efforts to increase renewable fuel use and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products while supporting domestic agriculture and environmental goals.
