E10 Gasoline: Users are still 'unfamiliar' despite cheaper price and greener

E10 gasoline has just been officially sold widely, but many people are still cautious when approaching this new type of fuel.

Petrolimex pilots selling E10 RON95 bio-fuel at gas stations from August 1 - Photo: NHAT XUAN

Tuoi Tre Online 's observations at many gas stations in Ho Chi Minh City in early August showed that E10 gasoline pumps were placed 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 19,600 VND/liter, about 240 VND 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 the new type of 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'm not sure about its performance or whether 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 networks. "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 said it was economical and good for the engine, others said it was easy to corrode the machine. I want to support green products, but I am still hesitant," Phu said.

Even though 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 position 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 percentage compared to the total amount of gasoline sold.

"Most customers are still in a probing state, curiously asking for information, listening to advice, then laughing, and going back to choosing RON 95 gasoline because they are worried that their vehicles are not yet familiar with 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 with the new fuel line. The store still persistently advises consumers, arranges staff on duty at the E10 pump to answer questions, and also equips additional signs and standees with clear introductions. In addition, many customers who used E5 gasoline before also return to use 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 has strong hygroscopic properties, 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 produced 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 to promptly handle them.

Which cars are good, which cars should be avoided?

According to the list from ACEA (European Automobile Association), all gasoline cars manufactured since 2000 can safely use E10. In Vietnam, companies such as Toyota, Honda, Ford confirm that car 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 car models such as Dream, first generation Wave or imported used cars should be carefully checked before use. If not compatible, users should choose E5 gasoline or other high-grade gasoline instead.

Back to topic

NHAT XUAN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/xang-e10-nguoi-dung-con-la-lam-du-gia-re-hon-xanh-hon-20250731160159138.htm