Starting on 1/6, conventional gasoline types will no longer be sold on the market. Instead, E10 RON 95-III biofuel will be widely available nationwide.

What is E10 gasoline?

E10 is a type of biofuel blended with 10% fuel ethanol (bio-alcohol) and 90% traditional gasoline. Ethanol is primarily produced from biological materials such as cassava, sugarcane, and corn, making it a renewable fuel.

According to Associate Professor Doctor Pham Huu Tuyen, Director of the Research Center for Power Sources and Autonomous Vehicles at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, blending ethanol helps reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and some unburnt organic compounds. This improves air quality and reduces emissions.

As Vietnam aims for carbon neutrality and green transportation development, E10 serves as a viable solution. This fuel utilizes existing vehicle infrastructure and has a positive environmental impact.

A characteristic of E10 RON 95-III gasoline is that the amount of heat released when a unit of fuel is completely combusted (calorific value) is lower than that of conventional gasoline. This is why many consumers worry that vehicles using this type of gasoline will consume more fuel than with conventional fuel.

In this regard, Associate Professor Doctor Pham Huu Tuyen stated that the calorific difference between E10 and conventional gasoline is only a few percent and is offset by a more efficient combustion process. "Tests show that engine power and fuel consumption when using E10 are essentially comparable to conventional gasoline, and in some cases, even improved", Tuyen said.

In fact, E10 is not the only biofuel on the market. Since early 2018, E5 RON92 biofuel (5% ethanol blended with conventional gasoline) has been widely sold nationwide.

In many countries such as the US, Europe, Thailand, and Australia, E10 gasoline has been widely used for many years. Some countries even use E20 and E85 gasoline (with ethanol blending ratios of 20% and 85% into conventional gasoline, respectively) for compatible vehicle models.

An employee fills a storage tank with E10 gasoline at a petrol station. Photo: PVOIL

Which vehicles can use E10 gasoline?

In Vietnam, experts and petroleum distributors state that most vehicles currently in circulation can use E10 RON 95-III gasoline.

Last year, the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM) compiled data from its five member companies: Honda, Yamaha, Piaggio, SYM, and Suzuki. The results indicated that most current motorcycle models can use E10 biofuel without any technical modifications.

Specifically, four manufacturers – Honda, Yamaha, Piaggio, and SYM – confirmed that all their vehicle models are compatible with E10 gasoline. Suzuki, meanwhile, stated that most of its products are compatible, except for some older models (including Viva, Smash, Amity) manufactured in or before 2000.

If the fuel contains impurities or has an incorrect blending ratio, the quality of E10 gasoline can be affected, leading to issues such as difficulty starting, increased fuel consumption, or reduced engine lifespan. Therefore, for very old vehicles, classic cars, or those with modified fuel systems, users should check manufacturer recommendations before switching to E10 gasoline.

In Vietnam, most automobile and motorcycle manufacturers recommend that vehicles can operate well with E10 gasoline, provided the supply meets standards.

"E10 gasoline does not affect engine durability and is suitable for all vehicle types", Tuyen affirmed.

How to use E10 gasoline to optimize performance

Experts suggest that using E10 does not require significant changes in vehicle operation, but users should note a few points to optimize its effectiveness.

Accordingly, for infrequently used vehicles, users should not leave E10 in the fuel tank for too long, as ethanol has a higher moisture absorption capacity than conventional gasoline. Users should also avoid arbitrarily adding unknown additives to the fuel. Using the correct type of gasoline as recommended by the manufacturer remains the most important factor in ensuring engine longevity.

According to expert Pham Huu Tuyen, users must adhere to regulations for periodic maintenance of fuel filters, injectors, and fuel lines as recommended by the manufacturer. This is similar to using conventional gasoline, ensuring stable and durable vehicle operation.

Since 8/2025, PVOIL and Petrolimex have been piloting E10 distribution in many major cities, with no significant negative feedback reported regarding quality or engine impact.

Dao Duy Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Innovation, Green Transformation, and Industrial Promotion at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, believes that the biggest barrier for biofuels currently is not technical, but rather consumer apprehension.

"Changing fuel usage habits may make consumers hesitant initially", said Dao Duy Anh, suggesting the need for increased transparent and scientific communication to help people correctly understand biofuels.

Vietnam currently has two oil refineries that meet about 65-70% of domestic petroleum demand, with the remainder still imported. According to Mai Tuan Dat, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (BSR), the operator of the Dung Quat oil refinery, increasing the use of biofuels could further reduce Vietnam's reliance on imported conventional gasoline and enhance its energy supply autonomy.

Regarding ethanol supply, Vietnam currently has an annual production capacity of about 600,000 m3 of ethanol and aims for 1 million m3. Achieving this scale could generate an economic value of approximately 20 trillion VND annually for the ethanol industry.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, E10 is the initial step in the biofuel roadmap. The operator is looking to introduce E15, E20, or higher blends of gasoline in the future when market conditions and infrastructure permit.

Phuong Dung