Discover Vietnam’s fuel landscape: E10 is now mandatory, but E5 RON 92 remains available until 2030. Learn compatibility, prices, and where to buy. Read more now.
Starting 1 June 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has made E10 – unleaded gasoline blended with up to 10 % ethanol – the sole fuel for all petrol‑engine vehicles nationwide. The move is part of government‑backed efforts to cut emissions and reduce reliance on imported oil.
What the new rule means for drivers
From the first week of June, traditional mineral gasoline (pure unleaded fuel without ethanol, such as RON 95 or RON 97) will disappear from the shelves of major retailers like PVOIL and Petrolimex. PVOIL even stopped selling RON 95 on 15 May, while Petrolimex now lists only E10 variants in its price tables.
Is my car or motorbike compatible with E10?
Most new‑generation vehicles sold in Vietnam already meet the Octane Rating ≥ 91 requirement and are engineered to tolerate up to 10 % ethanol. Automakers have either issued official statements or included compatibility notes in owners’ manuals, confirming that standard models can run on E10 without any engine modifications.
According to a draft resolution from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, more than 90 % of the vehicles currently on Vietnamese roads are compatible with E10, meaning no widespread retrofitting is needed.
But E10 isn’t the only option
While E10 is now the default, the same regulation (Article 4 of Circular 50/2025) also preserves a secondary bio‑fuel grade: E5 RON 92. This blend contains a maximum of 5 % ethanol and will remain on the market until 31 December 2030.
Where to find E5 RON 92
Several large fuel distributors continue to offer E5 alongside E10. For example, after the price adjustment on 21 May, Petrolimex listed:
- E5 RON 92‑II at VND 24,340 per litre
- E10 RON 95‑III at VND 25,050 per litre
- E10 RON 95‑V at VND 25,950 per litre
These figures show that E5 is usually a few hundred đồng cheaper per litre, making it an attractive choice for cost‑conscious drivers.
Who should consider E5?
Older motorcycles and cars – especially those manufactured before 2010 – often have fuel systems that were never tested with higher ethanol concentrations. For such vehicles, E5 is a safer bet because the lower ethanol content reduces the risk of fuel‑system corrosion, clogged injectors, or erratic engine performance.
Before filling up, owners are advised to:
- Check the vehicle’s owner manual for the recommended maximum ethanol blend.
- Contact the manufacturer’s service centre or a qualified technician for confirmation.
- Choose a reputable station that clearly labels the fuel grade (E5 or E10).
Pricing and availability outlook
Because E10 is now mandatory, its price is likely to stabilize as supply chains adjust. E5, on the other hand, will gradually phase out as the 2030 deadline approaches, but it will remain available at major chains for the foreseeable future.
Bottom line
For most drivers in Vietnam, E10 is the convenient, government‑endorsed fuel that works out‑of‑the‑box with modern vehicles. If you own an older bike or car, or simply prefer a lower‑ethanol blend, E5 RON 92 offers a compatible and slightly cheaper alternative until the end of 2030.
Stay informed, double‑check your vehicle’s specifications, and fuel up at trusted stations to enjoy a smooth transition to Vietnam’s greener fuel future.