Consumption data in August has proven that consumer confidence is shifting, paving the way for biofuels to affirm their position in the market.

According to PVOIL, after one month of pilot sales (from August 1 to 31), the volume of E10 gasoline (gasoline blended with 10% ethanol) consumed at many outlets exceeded initial expectations. In Hanoi, the Nghia Tan station sold over 108 m3, Lien Ninh over 64 m3, Thai Thinh over 57 m3, and Chau Can nearly 9 m3. In Hai Phong, PVOIL sold about 100 m³, including 40 m3 at Thanh To station and over 60 m³ at Tan Duong. In Quang Ngai, though sales only began on August 28, more than 19 m3 were sold.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest fuel market, Petrolimex reported E10 is now sold at 36 stations, with an average of 40 m3 consumed daily. By the end of August, nearly 1,500 m3 had been sold, double the figure in the first days of rollout. While still modest compared to RON95, the growth trend is clear: consumers are proactively choosing E10 without hesitation.

This shift reflects growing trust. From cautious “trial purchases,” consumers now use E10 regularly. Contrary to rumors of engine inefficiency, vehicles run smoothly, costs are lower, and users feel they are contributing to environmental protection. Priced just over 20,000 VND per liter-significantly lower than fossil gasoline-E10 offers real savings.

The change also comes from proactive businesses. Petrolimex and PVOIL are expanding infrastructure and blending capacity, moving ahead of the mandatory 2026 timeline. Their strategy aims to make E10 a familiar product in the market.

E10 is not just another fuel product-it represents a strategic step in Vietnam’s energy transition. Each liter contributes to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, adding value to domestic crops, and reinforcing national commitments to clean energy and Net Zero by 2050.

However, the gap with RON95 remains wide, showing habits are slow to change. Yet August’s growth signals a trend: consumers are increasingly open to and confident in E10 as a safe, cost-effective option.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is seeking feedback on a draft circular stipulating that from January 1, 2026, E10 will be used nationwide for gasoline-powered vehicles, and from January 1, 2031, E15 or another biofuel blend ratio will apply, depending on socio-economic conditions, vehicle development and energy security.