Lessons from the policy requiring the use of E5 gasoline
According to a survey by Lao Dong reporters, E5 gasoline (including 5% Ethanol and 95% mineral gasoline) is still widely distributed in many localities, but in reality, it is not really popular with people as initially expected. Many consumers are still hesitant when choosing E5 gasoline, even willing to spend more money to buy RON 95 gasoline instead of using E5 even though the price is cheaper.
Recorded at some gas stations in Cau Giay ward (Hanoi), the number of E5 gasoline pumps is very low compared to RON 95 gasoline. Even though the RON 95 gasoline pump is having to queue up a long time, no one is buying E5 gasoline.
Ms. Vu Thi Thanh Quyen - an office worker in Cau Giay ward (Hanoi) said that knowing that E5 biofuel is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, she has chosen to use it for a while. However, after experiencing it as well as to save costs, Ms. Quyen said that the car was not running smoothly.
Talking to Lao Dong, Mr. Phung Giang Thai - Head of Petroleum Store No. 6 (MIPEC Petroleum Trading Company Limited) said that the business situation of E5 gasoline at the store is not currently optimistic. Consumption has decreased over time and is currently very low compared to RON 95 gasoline.
Consumers are increasingly opting for the E5 because the price difference with the RON 95 is no longer significant, while most new-age vehicles recommend using the RON 95 to ensure engine performance. Previously, E5 was also used by service vehicles due to its low price, but now the trend of using electric vehicles is increasing rapidly, causing demand for E5 to decrease. If they can choose to do it themselves, the majority of people today still prioritize filling up RON 95 gasoline" - Mr. Phung Giang Thai said.
Sharing about the business situation of E5 gasoline, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Chung - Deputy Head of the Business Department of MIPEC Petroleum Trading Company Limited - said that E5 gasoline also always has a discount lower than A95, causing business efficiency to not be high. The company proactively imports less goods to avoid the risk of losses.
In addition, E5 has easy-to-evaporate properties, leading to a higher loss ratio than RON 95, causing additional costs in the storage and distribution process. In fact, the propaganda work about E5 gasoline has not been really effective. People are almost not clear about environmental benefits or how to use them properly, while businesses have not received clear enough support policies to encourage business of this type of fuel. The E5 roadmap has been set for a long time but is not implemented effectively and lacks consistency" - Mr. Chung shared.
E10 gasoline - a step in line with the trend of sustainable development
Regarding the implementation of the use of E10 biofuel from January 1, 2026, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Chung assessed this as a step in line with the trend of sustainable development and emission reduction in the world. This type of gasoline brings many environmental and economic benefits.
However, to avoid repeating the limitations that have happened with E5 gasoline, Mr. Chung said that the most important thing is to be carefully prepared and synchronously implemented from the beginning, both in terms of policies, technical infrastructure and social networks.
"First, it is necessary to strictly control the quality and mixing ratio so as not to confuse E5 gasoline and E10 gasoline, failing to achieve the goal of using E10 gasoline to reduce emissions into the environment.
Second, the infrastructure for the blending and distribution of E10 gasoline needs to be invested synchronously, instead of relying mainly on outside rentals. The State should encourage businesses to invest in separate or integrated mixing stations in large gas stations, ensuring proactiveness and consistency throughout the supply chain.
Third, there needs to be a clear and consistent mandatory mechanism. Experience from E5 gasoline shows that when the policy only stops at incentives without accompanying specific sanctions or roadmaps, implementation is easily in the form and ineffective. The application of E10 from January 1, 2026 needs to be regulated as mandatory, and strictly supervised.
Fourth, communication and consumer guidance play a very important role. It is necessary to clearly explain the benefits of E10 gasoline not only for the environment but also for engine performance and national energy security. Avoid letting people access one-sided information or misunderstand this type of fuel Mr. Chung suggested.
