According to a report presented by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on July 3, air quality monitoring data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment showed early signs of improved air quality after nearly one month of nationwide use of biofuel.
A worker fills a vehicle with E10 petrol at a filling station in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: Nam Anh).
In Hanoi, compared with the end of May, concentrations of PM2.5 fell by 31 per cent, while PM10 declined by 29.6 per cent. Authorities said air quality had improved noticeably, although they cautioned that numerous ongoing transport and construction projects could also influence pollution levels.
In Ho Chi Minh City, PM2.5 fell by 15.7 per cent, PM10 by 14.3 per cent, carbon monoxide (CO) by 65.2 per cent, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by 68.6 per cent, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 57.6 per cent, sulphur dioxide (SO2) by 38.5 per cent and ozone (O3) by 14.4 per cent.
The ministry said the declines in both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants pointed to a positive trend in urban air quality.
During June, nationwide consumption of biofuels, including E5 and E10 petrol, exceeded 1 billion litres, broadly matching previous consumption of conventional petrol. E10 accounted for nearly 95 per cent of total biofuel sales, while E5 represented about 5 per cent.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade said the figures did not support claims that biofuel consumes more fuel than conventional petrol.
Vietnam has more than 17,000 fuel stations, all of which have switched to selling biofuel. The ministry said 26 fuel wholesalers are now supplying E10 petrol, while 11 also supply E5. During the first month of implementation, E10 accounted for the vast majority of sales.
