Speaking at a seminar on June 30, Nguyen Thanh Nam, deputy director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said Vietnam consumed around 850 million litres of biofuel during the period, including approximately 800 million litres of E10, accounting for 94.12 per cent, and about 50 million litres of E5.
Nam said the rollout had largely proceeded on schedule, with stable fuel supplies and distribution systems operating smoothly. Consumption data suggested motorists had adapted quickly to the new fuel.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the country's largest fuel market accounting for nearly 20 per cent of national consumption, the transition has also progressed smoothly following early preparations.
Nguyen Khac Hieu, deputy head of the Energy Management Division at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, said authorities had advised fuel distributors to stop importing conventional petrol before May 25 to clear existing inventories and switch to E10 supplies.
As a result, E10 supplies have remained stable since the nationwide launch on June 1, with no reported shortages, major disruptions or significant consumer complaints.
E10 compatible with most engines
On the technical side, Nguyen Thanh Binh, vice chairman and secretary general of the Vietnam Automobile, Motorcycle and Bicycle Association, said concerns that E10 could damage vehicle engines were not supported by scientific evidence.
According to Binh, E10 complies with the national standard TCVN 8401:2024, meeting all technical and safety requirements for vehicle use.
Despite the successful initial rollout, Nam said several challenges remain.
One of the biggest concerns is hesitation among owners of older carburettor equipped vehicles, fuelled by unverified claims circulating on social media.
Although there is no scientific evidence that E10 harms vehicle engines, Nam said regulators should work with vehicle manufacturers to verify compatibility and publish lists of approved models. Doing so would help address public concerns and increase consumer confidence in the new fuel.
