What’s the Consumption of E10 Gasoline After One Month of Sales?

Exactly one month after its launch, Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVOIL) reported that its four gas stations in Hanoi were consuming an average of nearly 10 cubic meters of E10 gasoline (gasoline blended with 10% ethanol) per day.

Demand for E10 gasoline is gradually increasing

Specifically, from the pilot launch on August 1 to August 31, the Nghia Tan gas station sold more than 108 cubic meters; the Lien Ninh gas station sold over 64 cubic meters; the Thai Thinh gas station sold more than 57 cubic meters, and the Chau Can gas station sold nearly 9 cubic meters.

The consumption of PVOIL’s E10 RON95 gasoline in Hai Phong city reached approximately 100 cubic meters, with the Thanh To gas station selling about 40 cubic meters and the Tan Duong gas station selling over 60 cubic meters.

PVOIL also shared that, starting August 28, the company has been processing and blending E10 RON95 gasoline for other wholesale and retail businesses at five gas stations in the central region. As of August 31, the Thien But gas station (Quang Ngai) sold nearly 3.5 cubic meters; the Dung Quat Port gas station (Quang Ngai) sold almost 1 cubic meter; while the Tran Phu, Nguyen Huu Tho, and Pham Hung gas stations (Quang Ngai) sold a combined total of over 15 cubic meters.

“Customers are showing interest in trying out E10 gasoline, and the acceptance is gradually increasing. In preparation for the mandatory use of E10 gasoline from January 1, 2026, PVOIL is upgrading and renovating its current E5 RON92 blending facilities at strategic warehouses nationwide to meet the demand for E10 gasoline,” said a PVOIL representative.

In Ho Chi Minh City, E10 gasoline is also gaining acceptance among consumers, although sales volumes are not yet high.

“We are selling E10 gasoline at 36 gas stations. On average, we estimate a daily consumption of about 40 cubic meters of E10 gasoline, double the volume during the initial implementation phase. As of August 31, we have sold nearly 1,500 cubic meters. However, the sales of E10 gasoline are only equivalent to one-tenth of RON95 gasoline,” shared a representative of the Vietnam Petroleum Group (Petrolimex), the distributor of E10 gasoline in Ho Chi Minh City.

These figures indicate a positive shift in consumer trends and habits towards E10 gasoline.

Currently, Petrolimex and PVOIL are selling E10 gasoline at a price of over 20,000 VND per liter. Specifically, during the price adjustment on August 28, Petrolimex’s E10 RON95-III gasoline in region 1 was priced at 20,080 VND per liter, while in region 2, it was 20,480 VND per liter.

At PVOIL, E10 RON95-III gasoline was priced at 20,080 VND per liter. The price of E10 RON95-III gasoline in the trading session on August 28 increased by 240 VND per liter compared to the previous adjustment on August 21. Prior to that, PVOIL’s retail price for E10 RON95-III gasoline on its launch date, August 21, was 19,840 VND per liter.

Adapting to the new fuel takes time

According to experts, the current situation with E10 gasoline is similar to when E5 gasoline was first introduced in 2014, as consumers needed time to adjust.

“Some customers are willing to use it, while others prefer to stick to fossil gasoline for peace of mind. Therefore, the current consumption of E10 gasoline is normal, as any new product needs time to penetrate the market and gain acceptance from consumers,” shared a Petrolimex official.

To promote the widespread adoption of E10 gasoline, in addition to expanding sales outlets, it is crucial to enhance communication and diversify products, while also helping consumers understand the benefits and feel confident about using this environmentally friendly fuel.

Mr. Van Tan Phung, Chairman of the Dong Nai Petroleum Association, also stated that it is too early to evaluate E10 and that at least six months are needed to observe market reactions.

“For a policy to be successfully implemented, it requires the consensus of consumers and a reasonable roadmap. E10 can be introduced in major cities first, and then gradually expanded to rural areas. Moreover, the cooperation of the people and the enthusiasm of retailers are essential for the policy to succeed,” emphasized Mr. Phung.

Mr. Bui Ngoc Bao, Chairman of the Vietnam Petroleum Association, stated that the use of E10 gasoline is estimated to reduce toxic hydrocarbon emissions by 25-30%. This is the primary reason why countries like the US and those in the EU have long switched to biofuels.

“E10 gasoline is considered suitable for vehicles manufactured after the year 2000. However, consumers should pay attention to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations to choose the appropriate RON-rated gasoline,” said Mr. Bao.

According to the Chairman of the Vietnam Petroleum Association, the pilot sale of E10 biofuel by Petrolimex and PVOIL is a market test and also a preparation for nationwide distribution, expected to begin in 2026.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Director of a retail gasoline business in Lam Dong, suggested that specific surveys should be conducted before widespread implementation. While the policy of green energy is entirely correct, ministries and sectors need to establish a roadmap to ensure a smooth transition for the people.