Increase the proportion of biofuels
In the context of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continuously escalating, energy security issues have become the top concern of many countries, including Vietnam. Talking to Lao Dong, Dr. Huynh Thanh Dien - economic expert, lecturer at Nguyen Tat Thanh University - said that it is necessary to recognize that domestic supply is not enough to fully meet demand.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East region, world oil prices reacted immediately. At that time, Vietnam's import prices increased accordingly, pulling the domestic price level up. In a worse scenario, if import activities encounter problems, not only prices increase but also the risk of local shortages may occur. Therefore, Vietnam cannot completely depend on imports but needs to have proactive plans" - Dr. Huynh Thanh Dien emphasized.
Faced with that reality, promoting energy transition, especially increasing the proportion of biofuels such as E10 gasoline, is not only an environmental choice but also a strategic solution to reduce dependence on traditional gasoline and oil imports.
According to representatives of Vietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL), when the Middle East war broke out, PVOIL worked again with Dung Quat Refinery (NMLD) and Nghi Son NMLD. Both refineries confirmed that the supply in March was still stable thanks to the available crude oil reserves. However, the developments in April are still an unpredictable variable depending on the war situation. To respond, PVOIL has proactively opened new import bidding lots.
At the same time, a PVOIL representative said that the solution to promote E10 bio-gasoline is also considered a feasible option. With the capacity, blending facilities and warehouse system that have been carefully prepared, adding 10% ethanol will help reduce the corresponding pressure on the amount of mineral gasoline. "PVOIL is completely confident and ready to widely deploy this plan in accordance with the direction of the Government and relevant ministries and sectors" - a PVOIL representative affirmed.
Strengthening consumer confidence
From a business perspective, Petrolimex said that it has piloted the business of E10 RON95-III bio-gasoline at 40 stores in Ho Chi Minh City and Quang Ngai. The average consumption output is about 50m3/day. The group of customers who use E10 the most currently are mainly administrative and non-business units using the State budget, transportation enterprises and technology and service vehicles. This shows that the organizational customer segment tends to access new products faster than individual consumers.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc - Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, the current time is assessed as "ripe" to deploy E10 gasoline, in the context that the whole country is promoting green transformation and reducing emissions. The use of biofuels is considered one of the important solutions to limit emissions from vehicles, contributing to the implementation of environmental commitments.
In the coming time, the city will continue to strengthen communication, providing clear information about the quality, technical standards and environmental benefits of E10, in order to strengthen consumer confidence.
Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Head of Petroleum and Gas Business Management Department, Domestic Market Management and Development Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade - said that since the pilot sale in some localities, initial assessments show that the use is stable, and no negative feedback related to quality or impact on vehicle engines has been recorded.
Petroleum businesses urgently prepare
On February 26, 2026, the Prime Minister signed and issued Directive No. 07/CT-TTg on promoting the production, blending, distribution and use of biofuels in Vietnam. Petroleum enterprises have proactively planned for the application of E10 gasoline nationwide from June 1, 2026.
INDEL Investment and Development Joint Stock Company (INDEL CORP) has urgently reviewed and learned from regulations to the pilot application in some provinces and cities to learn from experience and build a strategy to transform in a proactive direction.
Dr. Tran Van The - Chairman of the Board of Directors of INDEL CORP - said that in terms of technical infrastructure, Indel Petro focuses on reviewing and upgrading the tank system and pump columns at the store network from North to South. The enterprise pays special attention to humidity control and replacing non-compatible polymer details to adapt to the 10% ethanol content. Indel Petro also establishes close links with key enterprises to ensure stable E10 gasoline supply, avoiding breakdowns of goods during the transition period.
