HCMC – The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed that starting January 1, 2026, only E10 biofuel will be sold nationwide, replacing regular gasoline types.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s online portal, in a draft circular on the roadmap for biofuel development, the ministry recommends that all conventional gasoline (RON 92, RON 95, and other types) must be mixed with E100 to produce E10 biofuel for use in gasoline-powered vehicles nationwide.
After 2030, all gasoline for gasoline vehicles nationwide will be switched to E15 (with an ethanol content of 14-15%) or to other biofuel blends as stipulated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The ministry said that biofuel has struggled to expand its market share in recent years due to storage limitations, uncompetitive pricing, weak communication, and a lack of oversight.
However, in line with the transition to green energy, E10 is seen as a suitable solution, helping to revive ethanol plants while creating jobs in cassava- and corn-growing areas in the midlands and mountainous regions.
The draft also encourages the development of biodiesel B5 and B10, while fuels for aviation, defense, and security are exempt from blending requirements. Local authorities will work with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to supervise implementation and handle violations.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade said Vietnam has sufficient capacity to implement the shift, with annual ethanol demand estimated at around 1.5 million cubic meters. Domestic production can meet 40% of this need, while the remainder will be imported from the U.S. and Brazil.
On infrastructure, Petrolimex, PVOIL, BSR, and Saigon Petro are already prepared for blending.
According to regulators, alongside the E10 roadmap, the Ministry of Finance will adjust pricing and tax policies; provincial governments will support raw material areas, infrastructure, and communications; and businesses must restart ethanol plants, secure imports, and ensure product quality before market rollout.
