Vietnam will halt E5 RON92 and roll out E10 fuel sales nationwide from June 1, 2026
Starting June 1, 2026, all importers, distributors, and retail fuel outlets across Vietnam will be required to sell biofuel E10, while the sale of E5 RON92 will be discontinued, according to Circular 50 issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).
The Circular stated that fuel businesses must ensure a stable supply and comply with the national standard QCVN 01:2023/BKHCN. In addition, retail outlets must provide labels, price listings, user instructions and technical warnings for consumers.
The MoIT affirmed that E10, which contains 10 per cent bio-ethanol, will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create a sustainable market for the domestic ethanol industry.
According to the ministry, trials and real-world use in many localities show that E10 does not affect engine performance as long as users follow vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations.
To ensure the roadmap is properly implemented, the Circular 50 requires key fuel traders to complete the conversion of storage facilities, blending systems, and ethanol quality control by April 30, 2026.
Furthermore, provincial Departments of Industry and Trade must step up inspections of fuel trading and biofuel quality, while also strengthening public communication to guide consumers.
Vietnam currently has six ethanol (E100) plants with a combined capacity of about 600,000 m³ per year. If operating at full capacity, they could supply around 40 per cent of the ethanol needed for E10 blending, estimated at 1.5 million m³ of E100 annually, based on total fuel demand of approximately 15 million m³ in 2024. The remaining volume can be imported from major global ethanol producers such as the United States and Brazil through ports including B12 in Quang Ninh, Nha Be in Ho Chi Minh City, and Van Phong in the south-central region.
Recent observations showed that E10 consumption remains low, mainly in major urban areas and regions with modern retail infrastructure. Several mountainous and remote provinces are hesitant due to consumer concerns, traditional preference for conventional gasoline, and limited ethanol blending infrastructure. In addition, fluctuations in ethanol prices and the relatively small price gap between E5 and RON95 have also reduced incentives for businesses to actively promote E10..
Fuel companies acknowledged these challenges but are optimistic. Petrolimex noted that while E10 is proven safe for engines, cautious consumer habits and uneven market information have kept demand below expectations, signaling both challenges and opportunities for the new biofuel rollout.
