Leading fuel retailers Petrolimex and PVOIL are stepping up efforts to roll out E10 RON95 biofuel nationwide ahead of schedule, aiming to ease import pressure and strengthen Vietnam’s energy security.
Holding nearly 70 per cent of the domestic fuel market, the two firms are leveraging their extensive distribution networks to accelerate the transition from mineral gasoline to cleaner alternatives.
Under a roadmap set by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, E10 RON95 is due to replace conventional gasoline nationwide from June 1, 2026. However, amid global energy volatility, both companies have moved early to expand supply from April.
Petrolimex said it is upgrading storage and blending infrastructure, securing ethanol supply and coordinating logistics to ensure nationwide availability. The group expects ethanol demand of 45,000-50,000 cubic metres per month, with imports from markets such as the US, South Korea and Singapore helping to bridge domestic shortages.
A full transition could reduce Petrolimex’s mineral gasoline consumption by nearly 10 per cent, easing reliance on imports. The company has already introduced E10 RON95 at dozens of stations in Ho Chi Minh City and Quang Ngai Province, with sales rising significantly from pilot levels.
Meanwhile, PVOIL has upgraded blending systems at 13 depots and is preparing to supply its network of nearly 900 petrol stations. With more than a decade of biofuel experience, the company is also ready to provide blending services for other distributors.
Its parent group, Petrovietnam, is ramping up production capacity. Subsidiary Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC plans to supply about 60,000 tonnes of ethanol, supported by the restart of a biofuel plant in Dung Quat.
However, domestic output is expected to meet only around 40 per cent of total demand, estimated at 1.1 million cubic metres annually, meaning imports will remain necessary.
Authorities and businesses say the early rollout of E10 RON95 will help diversify energy sources, reduce emissions and improve resilience as global oil markets remain volatile.