From June 1st, besides E10 gasoline, what other gasoline options will people have?

VTV.vn - With the discontinuation of RON 95 gasoline from June 1st, the market will simultaneously sell E10 and E5 RON 92 gasoline until the end of 2030, creating more choices for consumers.

The decision to accelerate the rollout of biofuels is creating a minor stir in the retail fuel market. According to Circular 50/2025, from June 1st, all traditional unleaded gasoline will have to be blended into E10 gasoline before being sold on the market. However, to ensure the rights and peace of mind of a large segment of consumers who are not yet ready to switch, E5 RON 92 biofuel will continue to be widely sold at gas stations until the end of 2030.

The parallel presence of E10 and E5 RON 92 fuels is strategically significant, aiming to create a necessary buffer period for the market. Technically, the biggest difference between the two fuels lies in the bioethanol content and the octane rating. E5 RON 92 contains 5% ethanol with an octane rating of 92, while E10 contains 10% ethanol and boasts a stronger octane rating of 95. The period from now until the end of 2030 is sufficient for older vehicles (which are only compatible with low ethanol content below 5%) to continue operating safely, while also allowing people to gradually adapt and upgrade their vehicles.

Market realities show that, despite the many benefits of E10 gasoline, psychological barriers remain a difficult problem to solve. Many people are hesitant and want to observe further before making a purchase. Mr. Nguyen Bao Toan (Gia Lam commune, Hanoi ) expressed: "If E10 gasoline is more environmentally friendly, I will definitely use it. However, I worry that E10 gasoline will affect the engine, as many people say." Sharing the same caution, but from an economic perspective, Mr. Vu Van Phuong (a driver in Ninh Binh) shared: "E10 gasoline would be good if it didn't pollute the environment, but I'm also afraid it will damage the engine and cost money to repair. Because drivers like us don't earn much income." These very common concerns demonstrate the necessity of maintaining E5 RON 92 gasoline as a safe "Plan B" during this transitional period.

Maintaining two types of biofuel simultaneously requires a tremendous effort from regulatory agencies and key businesses. Dr. Dao Duy Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), emphasized that policies need to be streamlined to facilitate production, blending, and distribution. Bottlenecks regarding ethanol supply, blending capacity at storage facilities, and technical regulations need to be thoroughly addressed to ensure the best possible price for consumers.

Currently, ethanol-blended gasoline is used in more than 60 countries and territories worldwide. In many countries, E10 gasoline is considered an important stepping stone in the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. The US, EU, Thailand, Brazil, and others have all widely used E10 gasoline for many years.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand and the Philippines are two pioneering countries in the use of biofuels. Thailand currently mainly consumes E10 and encourages E20, while the Philippines mandated the use of E10 since 2011 and applied many tax incentives for biofuels.

From a macroeconomic perspective, the decisive move to phase out RON 95 gasoline in favor of E10 and E5 RON 92 is of vital importance to the national economy. Mr. Do Van Tuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Biofuel Association, pointed out a worrying reality: Vietnam currently depends on imported refined petroleum products for 32% of its needs, and if crude oil is included, domestic supply only meets less than 50% of demand. "Self-sufficiency in ethanol supply will reduce import pressure... Introducing E10 gasoline into circulation as soon as possible will help reduce the corresponding amount of refined gasoline by 10%," Mr. Tuan analyzed.

Sharing this strategic vision, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan assessed that proactively blending biofuels now is a key solution to ensure energy security in the context of a global geopolitical landscape fraught with risks. Conflicts in the Middle East or disruptions to shipping lanes directly threaten the oil supply chain. By retaining E5 RON 92 as a foundation and using E10 as a breakthrough spearhead, Vietnam is taking firm steps following the trend of the US, Europe, Thailand, and the Philippines, gradually mastering domestic energy transportation sources and reducing dependence on external fossil fuel markets.

Source: https://vtv.vn/tu-1-6-ngoai-xang-e10-nguoi-dan-co-the-lua-chon-xang-nao-khac-100260520103022013.htm