This morning (August 1), Vietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL) simultaneously piloted the sale of E10 RON95 gasoline (E10 gasoline) at four gas stations in Hanoi and two gas stations in Hai Phong.
Biofuel has been used before.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Dung, former Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education, in the context of globalization and commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Vietnam is moving towards an important transition in the field of transport energy. From January 1, 2026, the use of E10 gasoline will become mandatory nationwide, gradually replacing traditional gasoline types such as RON 92 and RON 95. This is promoted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade , to support national climate goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
“However, this change not only brings benefits but also poses many challenges for people, especially vehicle owners. E10 gasoline, also known as E10 biofuel, is a fuel that blends 90% regular gasoline and 10% ethanol (bio-alcohol). Ethanol is produced from plant sources such as corn, sugarcane or cassava, through fermentation and distillation. In Vietnam, ethanol mainly comes from domestic factories, with import support from the US to meet demand. This type of gasoline has been widely used in many countries such as the US (E10 has long been the standard) and Europe, where it contributes to reducing carbon emissions”- Associate Professor, Dr. Do Van Dung analyzed.
According to the Associate Professor, PhD in Vietnam, the application of E10 is not new. Since 2017, the government has encouraged the use of E5 (mixed with 5% ethanol), but has encountered obstacles in terms of supply and public awareness. Now, with E10, the ethanol ratio has increased, requiring the distribution system to be upgraded to avoid the problem of phase separation, a condition in which ethanol separates from gasoline when in contact with water. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, E10 will be sold at a lower price than regular gasoline thanks to preferential tax policies, such as a special consumption tax of only 7% compared to 10% for standard gasoline. This can help reduce costs for users, but also requires careful preparation from gas stations.
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Do Van Dung “One of the biggest benefits of E10 is its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ethanol burns cleaner than fossil fuels due to the presence of oxygen atoms in its molecules, reducing CO2, hydrocarbons and other pollutants by up to 20-30% compared to regular gasoline.
This is in line with Vietnam's commitment at COP26, aiming for NetZero by 2050. In addition, E10 has a higher octane rating (around 94-95), which helps the engine run smoother, reduces knocking and increases power in some vehicles.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Dung, in terms of use, the use of E10 promotes the domestic agricultural sector. Ethanol from cassava and sugarcane creates jobs for farmers, reduces oil imports and enhances energy security. In Vietnam, ethanol plants can produce up to millions of liters per year, helping to stabilize fuel prices and reduce foreign currency burden. Furthermore, research shows that E10 can improve engine performance in modern motorbikes and cars, with equivalent or slightly lower fuel consumption. For consumers, the price of E10 is expected to be 5-10% cheaper than RON 95, thanks to tax incentives and abundant supply.
However, the Associate Professor analyzed that this benefit is not always clear. Some studies show that ethanol has less energy than gasoline (about 97% compared to pure gasoline), leading to less distance traveled per liter of fuel. But overall, E10 is still a green and economic choice for the future.
“Despite its many benefits, E10 also faces many challenges. The first is the issue of supply and storage. Ethanol easily absorbs water from the air, leading to phase separation, making the fuel poor quality and damaging the engine. In Vietnam, with a humid climate, gas stations need to invest in closed systems to avoid this situation, leading to high initial costs. Car owners should also pay attention to this. Check the tightness of the gas tank cap, especially when the car is not used for a long time,” said Associate Professor, Dr. Dung.
At the same time, this person also added that in terms of economics, although the price is cheaper, the conversion can increase maintenance costs for some older vehicles. Research shows that E10 reduces fuel efficiency in old vehicles, increasing consumption by 2-5%. In addition, domestic ethanol sources are not enough, requiring imports, which can be affected by global agricultural prices.
“Finally, public awareness is a big barrier. Many people are concerned about safety and effectiveness, similar to when E5 was introduced. The government needs strong propaganda campaigns to overcome this,” said Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Dung.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/xang-sinh-hoc-e10-co-anh-huong-gi-voi-dong-co-o-to-xe-may-post650277.html
Comment (0)