Consumers seek more information about E10 biofuel blend as Vietnam launches nationwide roll-out

A day before the nationwide roll-out took effect, most gas stations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City had already installed signs announcing the sale of E10 RON95 gasoline and completed preparations for the transition.

Hoang Minh Duc, a Hanoi resident who owns a 2021 Audi, said he had researched whether his vehicle was compatible with E10 gasoline before deciding to use the biofuel blend.

According to Duc, most modern Audi models are designed to run on biofuel blends, which has reassured him about switching to E10 RON95.

With most fuel stations in Hanoi already offering the product, he decided to make the change.

However, after reading social media posts suggesting that E10 gasoline could reduce engine performance or increase fuel consumption, he said he would like distributors and government agencies to provide more comprehensive information and guidance.

He noted that while biofuel blends are not new to Vietnamese consumers, inadequate explanation could negatively affect public confidence.

In Hanoi, gas station employees have been trained to explain to customers that all fuel products sold on the market must meet technical standards and regulations set by the government.

At a privately-owned fuel station operated by Indel Investment and Development JSC, employees said they regularly answer questions from customers, particularly owners of cars and large-displacement motorcycles who are concerned about potential impacts on engine performance.

In Ho Chi Minh City, most Petrolimex stations along major roads such as Le Van Sy, Truong Dinh, Dien Bien Phu, and Hai Ba Trung updated their branding and installed informational signs about E10 gasoline ahead of the full transition.

A manager of a fuel station in the city told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the transition to E10 had begun in mid-May.

Many stations started receiving supplies of the fuel between May 14 and 15 to prepare for the changeover.

By May 21, most major preparations had been completed, while remaining stations continued administrative procedures and inventory checks.

“Preparations began in early April. Businesses had to calculate inventory levels, plan new purchases, determine when conventional gasoline stocks would be exhausted, and complete related inventory procedures,” the manager said.

The transition has been carried out gradually, with stations selling their remaining stocks of conventional RON95 gasoline before switching entirely to E10 in order to minimize losses and simplify inventory management.

After nearly two weeks, the station had not received any notable complaints regarding the biofuel blend.

“So far, everything has been operating normally,” the manager said.

Fuel retailers step up consumer outreach efforts

A Petrolimex representative said the company has completed systemwide preparations for E10 gasoline, including quality management and technical upgrades across its fuel station network.

The preparations included inspections of storage tanks and fuel handling systems to ensure compliance with technical requirements for receiving, storing, and dispensing E10 gasoline, as well as quality-control measures before the product reaches consumers.

The company has also launched communication campaigns to introduce and explain the biofuel blend to customers.

“We advise customers that E10 gasoline is fully compatible with commonly used vehicles in accordance with manufacturers’ standards. Using E10 helps protect the environment, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and lower costs for consumers," the representative said.

"Petrolimex has also issued detailed regulations governing E10 quality management and maintains strict controls from the import stage through retail sales."

Addressing concerns about water contamination and evaporation, the company said fuel shipments must remain fully sealed before unloading into storage tanks.

Stations are required to collect samples, retain records, and conduct quality inspections before and after delivery in accordance with regulations.

Petrolimex said it would continue working with government agencies and media organizations to educate consumers and strengthen public confidence in the safety of E10 gasoline.

Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Dung, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Automobile and Power Equipment Association, said consumers can take several precautions to reduce the risk of encountering fuel with excessive moisture content.

He recommended choosing reputable fuel stations with high sales volumes, particularly those that regularly serve taxis and commercial transport vehicles.

According to Dung, stations with rapid fuel turnover are less likely to experience fuel storage issues because gasoline does not remain in tanks for extended periods.

“In some provinces, certain stations sell relatively small volumes of fuel. Gasoline stays in storage tanks longer and therefore has a greater chance of absorbing moisture and water,” he said.

The expert also emphasized the importance of establishing an official mechanism for receiving complaints and feedback from consumers in the event of fuel-related problems.

Hotline to support E10 gasoline users

The Ministry of Industry and Trade said it has published a handbook on biofuel blend use, outlining the implementation roadmap for E10 gasoline, its compatibility with various engine types, precautions for different vehicles, and recommendations for consumers.

The handbook also explains concerns commonly raised by vehicle owners, including perceived engine weakness, increased fuel consumption, and moisture absorption, while providing practical guidance for users.

The ministry has announced a hotline, 0866 59 4498, for inquiries related to biofuel blend use.

A ministry representative said an additional dedicated hotline is also being considered and will be announced in the near future.

Ahead of the official transition, some consumers sought out remaining supplies of conventional gasoline.

Nguyen Phu, a resident of Nhieu Loc Ward in Ho Chi Minh City, said he filled up his motorcycle two days before the changeover.

Phu said he had been following online automotive forums to read reviews from drivers who had already used E10. The conflicting opinions left him cautious about immediately switching to this kind of fuel.

Posts asking where conventional gasoline could still be purchased before the transition were widely shared across social media groups, with many users saying they had stocked up in advance.

Others argued that stockpiling fuel was unnecessary because the transition had been carefully planned and E10 is considered compatible with the vast majority of vehicles currently on the road.

Some users also reminded consumers to observe fire safety regulations when storing fuel at home.

On the OtoSaigon automotive forum, user Chuong Hong Quach shared his experience after using E10-95III gasoline in his Peugeot.

Since his vehicle only requires fuel equivalent to RON92, he decided to test nearly 20 liters of E10 gasoline.

After driving more than 100 kilometers from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi, he reported that the vehicle performed normally, with smooth acceleration and no signs of hesitation or engine knocking.

According to Quach, the engine appeared to run more smoothly, and the amount of heat generated from the engine compartment seemed lower than before.

Despite the positive experience, he said he hoped fuel retailers would continue offering E5 RON92 gasoline to meet the needs of many vehicle owners.