Petrolimex pilots selling E10 RON95 bio-fuel at gas stations from August 1 - Photo: NHAT XUAN
According to Tuoi Tre Online , at many gas stations in Ho Chi Minh City in early August, E10 gasoline pumps were arranged parallel to traditional fuels such as RON 95. Because it is still new, the number of customers actively choosing this type of biofuel is still very small.
Currently, E10 gasoline is sold at about VND19,600/liter, about VND240 lower than RON 95-III. Despite the price advantage and environmental protection message, this difference is still not enough to convince consumers to change their long-standing habits.
Get used to new gasoline
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Phong (41 years old, living in Ho Chi Minh City) told Tuoi Tre Online that he had heard about E10 gasoline in recent days, but had not dared to try it because he still had many concerns.
"I heard that E10 is green gasoline, good for the environment. But I don't know how it works or if it affects the engine. I just bought the car so I'm hesitant to consider it, worried that it won't be compatible with the engine," he said.
Mr. Phong said that he and many of his acquaintances are still hesitant, especially when reading conflicting opinions on social media. "My friends are still loyal to old gasoline. I often read information on TikTok, Facebook or car groups, but the information is chaotic, the more I read, the more confused I am," he shared.
Sharing the same sentiment, Tran Phu (24 years old, living in Ho Chi Minh City) said he had read many articles and comments about E10 gasoline online but did not know which was correct. "Some people say it is economical and good for the engine, others say it is easy to corrode the engine. I want to support green products, but I am still hesitant," Phu said.
Although he has tried E10 gasoline, Phu still admits that he "just tried it for the experience" because he is still concerned about the stability and suitability of this type of gasoline.
Sales volume increased gradually.
The gas station on Le Van Sy Street placed the sign "E10 Gasoline - Environmentally Friendly" in an easy-to-see location to increase recognition - Photo: NHAT XUAN
At a gas station on Phan Dang Luu Street (Phu Nhuan District), the store manager said that in the first week of official implementation, the average consumption of E10 gasoline was only about 200 liters per day, accounting for a very small proportion compared to the total amount of gasoline sold.
"Most customers are still in a probing mood, curiously asking for information, listening to advice, then laughing, and choosing RON 95 gasoline again because they are worried that their vehicles are not used to the new fuel," he shared.
However, a positive sign is that the amount of E10 gasoline sold is increasing steadily, and customers are also increasingly positive about the new fuel line. The store is still persistent in consulting consumers, arranging staff to be on duty at the E10 pump to answer questions, and at the same time equipping it with clear signs and standees. In addition, many customers who previously used E5 gasoline have also returned to using the new gasoline.
The store representative expects that from September onwards - when students return to school - consumption will increase sharply due to increased travel demand. However, according to this person, to reassure people, there needs to be more strong, official communication campaigns.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Dung - former principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education, consumers need to understand the technical characteristics of E10 gasoline to use it safely and effectively.
He noted that ethanol is highly hygroscopic, easily absorbing water from the air, causing corrosion of metal parts such as fuel pumps, pipes, cylinders..."Domestic research shows that if used improperly, the engine life of old car models can be reduced by 20-30%," he warned.
However, Mr. Dung also emphasized that most cars manufactured since 1998 have used anti-corrosion materials that are compatible with biofuel. Even since 2010, many modern cars have been designed specifically for this type of fuel.
Regarding motorbikes, Mr. Dung said that most new vehicles are compatible with E10 gasoline, but with old vehicles, users need to pay attention to regular maintenance and closely monitor for unusual signs for timely handling.
Which cars are good, which cars should be avoided?
According to the list from ACEA (European Automobile Association), all gasoline-powered cars manufactured since 2000 can safely use E10. In Vietnam, companies such as Toyota, Honda, and Ford confirm that models from 2011 onwards are fully compatible.
For motorcycles, Honda, Yamaha, Harley-Davidson models manufactured from 1986 onwards can use E10 if the fuel is not left in the tank for too long. Motorcycles made before 1986 or older European cars - such as some Alfa Romeo models before 2011 - need to be especially careful.
In Vietnam, according to Mr. Dung, old popular cars such as Dream, first generation Wave or imported old cars should be carefully checked before use. If not compatible, users should choose E5 gasoline or other high-grade gasoline instead.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/xang-e10-nguoi-dung-con-la-lam-du-gia-re-hon-xanh-hon-20250731160159138.htm
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