Petrolimex and PVOIL, Vietnam’s two largest fuel distributors and retailers, in August launched the country’s first commercial trials of gasoline blended with 10% 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 of Vietnam’s recent announcement of a nationwide E10 mandate to begin in January 2026.
“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) and its members and partners commend Petrolimex, PVOIL and the Government of Vietnam for advancing the use of fuel ethanol in Vietnam as a means to reduce harmful emissions, bolster fuel security and further stimulate rural economies,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGBC President and CEO.
“The rollout of E10 gasoline at retail stations is a big step toward decarbonizing Vietnam’s transportation sector and a new potential partner for the U.S. ethanol industry and the American farmer.”
The trial comes after U.S. ethanol industry leaders from USGBC, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) signed a quadripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Petrolimex in March, recognizing the economic, environmental, human health and energy security benefits of increasing the use of fuel ethanol in transportation fuel mixes.
The ceremony also included Vietnamese representatives including the Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT) Nguyen Hong Dien, Petrolimex Vice General Director Nguyen Xuan Hung, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dzung, and other leaders. Representatives from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Energy also witnessed the ceremony.
The MOU signing comes on the heels of the Vietnam Ministry of Industry adopting a directive in December 2024 that aimed to boost fuel ethanol utilization across the country. The Government of Vietnam in August 2025 subsequently released a draft circular outlining its intentions to implement a nationwide E10 mandate beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Vietnam’s gasoline consumption surpassed 2.8 billion gallons in 2024, increasing 8.1% 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.
“Congratulations to the Vietnam Ministry of Industry & Trade; Ministry of Finance; and Ministry of Construction on this accomplishment,” LeGrand said. “We look forward to continuing our partnerships with government and industry stakeholders in support of the upcoming nationwide rollout of E10 gasoline.”
The Government of Vietnam’s decision to expand and migrate the country’s ethanol policy in 2026 to E10 and all grades of gasoline, including the more widely used RON95 grade, will help the Vietnamese fuel industry amplify the environmental and economic benefits of fuel ethanol use and underpin progress toward Vietnam’s transportation and energy policy objectives.
A motorist refuels with E10 at a PVOIL fuel station in Hanoi, Vietnam. (Photo source: Bao Lao Cai).