Two of Vietnam’s largest fuel distributors and retailers this month launched the country’s first commercial trials of gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol (E10) in three major cities. A total of 42 fuel stations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong began selling E10 RON95 gasoline as part of the trial that follows the Government’s recent announcement of a nationwide E10 mandate to begin in January.

Vietnam had implemented an E5 mandate in 2018 for its RON92 grade of gasoline, one of two gasoline grades widely used throughout the country. The decision to expand to E10 next year will help amplify the environmental and economic benefits of fuel ethanol use, according to U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “This month’s rollout of E10 gasoline at retail stations is a massive step toward decarbonizing Vietnam’s transportation sector and a new potential partner for the U.S. ethanol industry and the American farmer,” said LeGrand.

Vietnam’s gasoline consumption surpassed 2.8 billion gallons in 2024, increasing 8.1 percent from 2023 consumption levels. A nationwide E10 mandate will create a total fuel ethanol demand of 280 to 300 million gallons per year, depending on gasoline demand. “We look forward to continuing our partnerships with government and industry stakeholders in support of the upcoming nationwide rollout of E10 gasoline,” LeGrand said.