E10 biofuel to be piloted in major cities from August 1

The sale of E10 biofuel — a gasoline blend containing 10% ethanol — will be piloted  in Vietnam's three major cities, starting August 1, as part of preparations for a nationwide rollout in early 2026, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

The pilot program will launch in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and northern Hai Phong city.

The Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) will offer E10 at 36 retail outlets across Ho Chi Minh City, while Petrovietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL) will introduce the product at six sites — four in Hanoi and two in Hai Phong.

Me. Dao Duy Anh, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion, noted that Vietnam may need to rely on ethanol imports during the initial phase. Key suppliers include the United States, Brazil, Argentina, as well as regional exporters such as Singapore and the Republic of Korea.

Meanwhile, domestic ethanol producers are gearing up for a potential resurgence in demand, positioning themselves to meet future market needs as Vietnam moves toward greener fuel alternatives.