E10 gasoline will replace RON 95 mineral gasoline from June 1st: Confirmation of engine compatibility.
From June 1st, E10 bioethanol fuel will officially completely replace RON 95-III mineral gasoline. Experts affirm that this type of fuel is safe if vehicles are properly maintained.
The Vietnamese petroleum market is preparing for a major transition as E10 bioethanol fuel (a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% mineral gasoline) will completely replace RON 95-III mineral gasoline from June 1st. Meanwhile, E5 RON 92 gasoline will continue to be in circulation until the end of 2030.
Technical characteristics and compatibility of E10 gasoline
According to Mr. Bui Ngoc Bao, Chairman of the Vietnam Petroleum Association (VINPA), ethanol has higher cleaning and solvent properties than regular mineral gasoline. This can cause the fuel to dissolve and carry away dirt and grime that has accumulated over time in the pump or injector system, especially in older vehicles or those that have not been cleaned for a long time.
However, Mr. Bao affirmed that, scientifically speaking, E5 and E10 gasoline do not negatively affect engines if the vehicle meets technical standards and is regularly maintained. In fact, this type of gasoline has been piloted at the systems of the Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) and the Vietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL) in several provinces and cities since August 2025 without recording any serious engine technical problems.
Recommendations for both older and newer car models.
Based on assessments from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), most car models manufactured from 2010 onwards are compatible with E10 gasoline. Many modern models have even been designed to use E20 gasoline, with clear instructions on the fuel cap.
For vehicles manufactured before 2000 that use carburetors, VINPA recommends that users perform basic maintenance before switching to E10, including:
- Clean the fuel supply system and fuel injectors.
- Replace the fuel filter regularly.
- Adjust the carburetor to ensure stable operation.
For those who do not wish to change their maintenance routine, owners of older vehicles are advised to continue using E5 RON 92 gasoline.
Supply capacity and deployment roadmap
According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, the roadmap for deploying E10 gasoline has been carefully prepared in terms of supply and distribution infrastructure. Currently, the nationwide gasoline consumption demand is approximately 1,000,000 cubic meters per month, equivalent to the demand for 100,000 cubic meters of ethanol.
| Market parameters | Value/Quantity |
|---|---|
| Number of key businesses with blending systems | 13 merchants |
| Total biofuel blending capacity | > 1,000,000 m3/month |
| Domestic ethanol production capacity | 25,000 m3/month |
Although domestic ethanol production capacity only meets 25% of demand, businesses have proactively planned to import from the US and Brazil to ensure uninterrupted supply chains. Regarding the use of additives, experts advise people against using unregulated additives. Fuels currently on the market are blended according to the manufacturer's technical standards.