The Ministry of Industry and Trade addresses concerns about E10 gasoline.

People wait to fill up with E10 gasoline at a gas station on Le Van Luong Street (Hanoi). Photo: PHUC HAU — People wait to fill up with E10 gasoline at a gas station on Le Van Luong Street ( Hanoi ). Photo: PHUC HAU

The handbook was compiled by the Department of Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry and Trade; and also includes a section answering 85 frequently asked questions related to E10 gasoline.

According to the manual, most motorcycles and cars currently in circulation in Vietnam are compatible with E10 gasoline. Many manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, Ford, and Yamaha have recommended the use of fuel blended with ethanol at appropriate ratios.

Some vehicles to be aware of when using this vehicle include those manufactured before 2000, vehicles with older carburetors, vehicles that have not had their fuel systems serviced for a long time, or restored and collectible vehicles.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that using E10 gasoline may only slightly alter engine power, by about 0%-3%. E10 gasoline has a lower calorific value than conventional gasoline (about 3.4%), but the combustion process is considered more complete, helping to reduce HC and CO emissions by approximately 20%-30%.

Regarding concerns about whether E10 gasoline causes increased fuel consumption, the Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that a slight increase in consumption may be observed in some cases. However, the difference is usually not significant under normal operating conditions.

Regarding ethanol's hygroscopic properties, the document states that this phenomenon mainly occurs when water enters the fuel tank, the fuel cap is not tightly sealed, or the vehicle is submerged. Fuel separation only occurs when the amount of accumulated water exceeds the fuel's solubility capacity.

The manual also recommends that users regularly maintain the fuel system, including the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, and carburetor or fuel injectors. People should not mix ethanol into gasoline themselves, but should use legally sold fuel products on the market.

Users can switch between E5 RON92, E10, and RON95 fuels according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that E10 gasoline is widely used in many countries. In the US, E10 is commonly used nationwide; in Thailand, E10 and E20 are widely distributed; while Brazil applies a higher ethanol blending ratio in gasoline, commonly around E30.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade recommends that people choose reputable gas stations and consult information from regulatory agencies and official sources when learning about E10 gasoline. The regulatory agency affirms that it will continue to control fuel quality, monitor the distribution system, protect consumer rights, and receive feedback during the implementation process.

>>> Some guidelines from the Ministry of Industry and Trade in the Handbook, answering 85 questions about E10 gasoline. Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade.