E10 gasoline offers many benefits.

Speaking to the press about the benefits of using E10 gasoline, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan stated that the development and use of biofuels is a common trend in many countries around the world to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, protect the environment, and promote the transition to green energy. For Vietnam, the use of E5 and E10 gasoline brings many important benefits.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan.

First and foremost are the environmental benefits. Biofuels contain ethanol blended from biofuels, which helps reduce emissions of CO₂, CO₂, and other pollutants during combustion, contributing to Vietnam's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Secondly, there are benefits in terms of energy security. Increasing the use of biofuels will contribute to reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, diversifying energy sources, and enhancing national energy self-sufficiency.

Thirdly, there are socio-economic benefits. Developing biofuels will contribute to boosting agricultural production, the ethanol processing industry, creating more jobs and outlets for some domestic agricultural products, reviving existing ethanol production plants, maximizing the economic purpose and effectiveness of the project, and continuing the development of new plants.

In particular, the transition to biofuels is not a sudden step but has been implemented by Vietnam according to a roadmap over many years. Since 2018, E5RON92 gasoline has been distributed nationwide and has been operating stably ever since. The implementation of E10 is the next step in the energy transition roadmap, in line with international trends and Vietnam's sustainable development requirements.

Regarding concerns about the compatibility of vehicle engines with E10 gasoline, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan emphasized that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has coordinated with specialized agencies, universities, engine and fuel experts, automobile and motorcycle manufacturing associations, and related businesses to assess the compatibility of vehicles with E10 gasoline.

"Through review, assessment, and reference to international experience, it has been shown that most cars and motorcycles currently in circulation in Vietnam can use E10 gasoline as recommended by the manufacturers. In fact, E10 is currently widely used in many countries such as the US, Brazil, Thailand, and the Philippines," Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan stated.

Furthermore, according to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, Vietnam has also conducted trials and practical deployments of E10 gasoline in the distribution systems of several large enterprises before widespread implementation. To date, there have been no scientifically- founded reports or official technical conclusions indicating that E5 or E10 gasoline causes widespread negative impacts on vehicle engines.

However, for some very old vehicles, those that are rarely used, or those with poorly maintained fuel systems, the Ministry of Industry and Trade recommends that people regularly check and maintain their fuel systems and use fuel as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure efficient operation.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan affirmed: "The roadmap outlined in Circular No. 50/2025/TT-BCT, which regulates the application of blending ratios of biofuels with traditional fuels in Vietnam, clearly demonstrates the following viewpoints: Firstly, to switch to using E10 gasoline and continue distributing E5RON92 gasoline; the main objective is to serve older vehicles that are not yet compatible with E10 gasoline."

"We have also estimated that the roadmap for E5 gasoline will continue for another five years, meaning from now until 2030. This will ensure compatibility with all vehicles currently in circulation. The Ministry's view is that the development of biofuels must go hand in hand with the requirements of ensuring technical safety, fuel quality, and consumer rights," Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said.

Vietnam has conducted trials and practical deployments of E10 gasoline in the distribution systems of several large enterprises before widespread implementation. (Illustrative image)

Does E10 gasoline affect car and motorcycle engines?

Mr. Do Van Tuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Biofuel Association, shared that most countries and territories around the world have been using E10 gasoline for many years. This type of fuel has now become a common standard in Europe, Australia, the US, India, Thailand, the Philippines, China, and many other countries. This shows that E10 gasoline is not a new product, but a standard fuel that has been widely used around the world for many years.

"If E10 gasoline does not meet technical and quality standards, it certainly cannot survive in the long term or gain the trust of global consumers. Therefore, the circulating information that E10 gasoline may affect or damage vehicle engines currently lacks clear scientific basis," said Mr. Do Van Tuan.

Mr. Dao Cong Quyet, Head of the Communications Subcommittee of the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), also stated that most modern car models are designed to be compatible with E10 biofuel.

Accordingly, for vehicles currently sold on the market, the materials used in the fuel system, from the fuel tank and fuel pump to the injectors and gaskets, have been researched and selected to be ethanol-resistant. Therefore, corrosion or aging of rubber gaskets will not occur if customers use the correct E10 fuel according to the National Standard QCVN 01:2022 of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Customers can therefore use the vehicles with complete peace of mind.

According to Mr. Dao Cong Quyet, phenomena such as sluggishness or loss of power usually only occur when the octane rating of the fuel is unsuitable or the fuel is contaminated with impurities or water. Meanwhile, E10 gasoline has an octane rating equivalent to or higher than regular mineral gasoline, helping the combustion process to be more stable. If the vehicle is regularly maintained and uses standard E10 gasoline as recommended by the manufacturer, the loss of power will not occur.

Besides regular maintenance, VAMA particularly advises customers not to leave their vehicles unused for too long, especially when the fuel tank is low. This is because ethanol has the property of absorbing moisture from the air, which can cause condensation in the fuel tank.

Additionally, users should adhere to the manufacturer's recommended fuel filter replacement schedule to ensure the fuel system remains clean.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/kinh-te/cac-van-de/xang-e10-co-anh-huong-den-dong-co-o-to-xe-may-1041656