Starting from August 1, 2025, Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex/the Group) will pilot the sale of E10 biofuel (E10 gasoline) at 36 petrol stations located in Ho Chi Minh City (prior to the merger), with the aim of assessing market response and practical deployment capability.
Petrolimex reaffirms its pioneering role in biofuel trading and building a clean energy ecosystem with the E10 gasoline product.
The "Green" Impact of E10 Biofuel
Beyond reducing dependence on fossil fuels, E10 gasoline offers outstanding advantages in engine performance and environmental protection.
E10 is a finished fuel blended from fossil-based gasoline and biofuel, with fuel-grade ethanol blended at a specified ratio. Specifically, according to QCVN 01:2022/BKHCN regarding gasoline, diesel fuel, and biofuel, E10 is defined as gasoline containing 9–10% ethanol by volume.
According to domestic and international studies, ethanol has a high oxygen content, which helps improve the combustion process of fuel mixtures. As a result, E10 gasoline can reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional gasoline. Reduced emissions contribute to mitigating air pollution and the greenhouse effect—key drivers of global climate change.
In addition to its environmental benefits, E10 gasoline is considered engine-friendly. Ethanol has a high octane rating (above 100), and when blended with conventional gasoline, it enhances the octane number of E10 fuel. This facilitates a more even, thorough, and stable combustion process in the engine's chamber, improving power efficiency and reducing pre-ignition knock—a phenomenon harmful to engines.
Clean Fuel, Green Consumption
Currently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) is preparing to propose a roadmap to the Government for adopting E10 gasoline in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fulfill the national net-zero commitment by 2050. This roadmap is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.
National-level research results and findings from international organizations such as ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) confirm that E10 gasoline is fully compatible with existing gasoline engines, including older generation engines.
More than 60 countries currently use E10 gasoline widely; many countries and territories—such as the United States and Europe—have enacted legislation mandating the use of biofuel blends.
Since 2018, the bioethanol content in gasoline has been trending upward. Countries in the region, such as China and the Philippines, have shifted 100% to retailing only E10 gasoline. Conventional gasoline is now banned at retail outlets and is only allowed as a blending component in E10 production.
At the recent mid-year conference on fuel supply and the operational direction for the second half of 2025, the MOIT issued strong directives to increase the use of biofuels, especially E10 gasoline, gradually replacing fossil gasoline. The transition to E10 is a critical step in fulfilling Vietnam’s emission reduction commitments.
Petrolimex: A Green Transition Beginning with Fuel Stations
To effectively implement the E10 blending and usage roadmap, the MOIT has directed relevant units to develop synchronized solutions, such as: subsidizing domestic ethanol to stabilize supply and reduce the cost of E5/E10 gasoline; finalizing technical standards and regulations for E10; enhancing public communication; and encouraging enterprises to expand biofuel distribution networks, especially in rural, mountainous, and island areas.
With the strategic vision to become "Vietnam's leading energy group by 2035 in providing green, clean, high-quality energy products that are environmentally friendly, based on Industry 4.0 technology and comprehensive digital transformation," Petrolimex has made biofuel trading a core component of its energy transition strategy.
Petrolimex is upgrading its retail infrastructure and expanding its ethanol blending network. It is also strengthening cooperation with both domestic and international ethanol producers to ensure stable supply and support sustainable biofuel business operations.
In parallel with biofuel trading, Petrolimex is also researching new energy solutions such as hydrogen and other renewable fuels, in alignment with global energy transition trends and emissions reduction requirements. Under a strategic partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Group is developing a roadmap to fulfill the Government’s emission reduction commitments.
Speaking on biofuel development, Mr. Trần Ngọc Năm – Member of the Board of Directors and Deputy CEO of Petrolimex – expressed strong support for the E10 initiative and stated that the Group will begin piloting E10 sales at its retail stations in Ho Chi Minh City (prior to the merger) starting August 1, 2025. The aim is to evaluate market reaction, consumer behavior, and the technical readiness of the distribution system.
Mr. Trần Ngọc Năm emphasized that E10 commercialization requires serious preparation, including infrastructure upgrades, specialized ethanol storage tanks, and close coordination with refineries. Therefore, Petrolimex has proposed that the MOIT issue timely directives on implementation timelines to allow fuel wholesalers to proactively invest and adapt their technical systems. It has also requested revisions to certain Vietnamese standards (TCVN) to better align with international gasoline sources and regional technical requirements.
The transition to E10 biofuel is not only an essential step toward environmental protection and building a green economy—it is also a strategic solution to ensure energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote green consumption.