If a car breaks down due to E10 gasoline, who is responsible?

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has addressed many public concerns about E10 gasoline, including the responsibilities of the parties involved should any incidents related to the fuel occur.

Prior to the nationwide rollout of E10 gasoline on June 1, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade published a document containing 85 questions and answers to address public concerns about this fuel. One of the key points of interest concerns the responsibilities of the parties involved in cases where vehicle damage is attributed to E10 gasoline.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade affirmed: "If there is sufficient evidence to prove that the fault was caused by E10 gasoline, then first and foremost the E10 gasoline supplier will be held responsible, followed by the state agency managing petroleum products."

Regarding concerns about the impact of E10 on engines, the Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that before issuing the implementation roadmap, the regulatory agency conducted research and testing domestically, consulted documents and experiences from countries that have been using biofuels for decades. In addition, numerous domestic and international workshops were organized to consult with experts on fuels and engines.

Many questions from vehicle owners about E10 gasoline have been answered by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. (Photo: AI)

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, it is difficult to notice a significant difference in performance when using E10 gasoline under normal conditions.

The agency stated that tests conducted by domestic and international scientists , as well as the practical use of E10 gasoline in countries that have adopted it for many years, have not shown any evidence that E10 damages engines.

In addition, fuel quality is also a crucial factor. If people notice any abnormalities in the fuel or suspect that its quality is substandard, the Ministry of Industry and Trade recommends stopping its use, reporting the issue to the relevant authorities or fuel supplier, and taking the vehicle to reputable technical facilities for inspection.

According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), standard E10 gasoline has an octane rating equivalent to, or even higher than, conventional gasoline, thus ensuring stable combustion. Any abnormal operation, if present, usually stems from gasoline adulterated with impurities or contaminated with water.

"Corrosion or aging of rubber gaskets will not occur if the vehicle uses the correct type of E10 gasoline that meets the national standard QCVN 01:2022/BKHCN," a VAMA representative affirmed.

Regarding compatibility, the Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that most cars and motorcycles currently in circulation in Vietnam can use E10 gasoline. The only exceptions include one type of light truck manufactured between 1996 and 2023 (which has now ceased production) and a few older Suzuki motorcycle models whose compatibility with E10 fuel has not yet been confirmed.

E10 gasoline will be sold nationwide from June 1st. (Photo: Minh Duc)

Car owners are also advised that no engine adjustments are necessary when switching to E10, however, for older engines, it is advisable to consult with experts.

Other gasoline-powered engines such as lawnmowers, water pumps, leaf blowers, or agricultural machinery manufactured in recent years are considered compatible with this type of fuel.

Older car and motorcycle models, lawnmower engines, water pumps, leaf blowers, and agricultural machinery that use gasoline and whose compatibility with E10 gasoline cannot be confirmed are recommended to use E5 gasoline.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade also stated that E10 gasoline is suitable for Vietnam's hot and humid climate. According to the agency, many countries with similar climates, such as China, Thailand, and the Philippines, have been using E10 gasoline for many years.

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/neu-xe-hong-do-xang-e10-ai-chiu-trach-nhiem-ar1020931.html