Discover why Vietnam’s E10 fuel comes in three grades with different prices, how octane ratings affect cost, and what you need to know. Learn more now!
Since June 1, all unleaded gasoline sold in Vietnam must be blended with 8-10 % ethanol, creating the bio-fuel known as E10. The blend is now available nationwide through the country’s extensive fuel-station network.
Three Grades, Three Prices
Even though the fuel is marketed under the single name “E10”, Vietnamese standards (Petrolimex TCCS 07:2026/PLX) define four quality levels—2, 3, 4 and 5—based on octane rating and the emission standard the blend meets (Decision 19/2024). In practice this translates into three price tiers:
- E10 RON 95-III – the most common grade, priced at about 22,330 VND / L.
- E10 RON 95-V – a higher-quality version, sold for roughly 23,230 VND / L.
- E10 RON 97-III / V – premium blends that reach an octane of 97, typically listed at 23,830 VND / L or more.
Why Octane Matters
The “RON” (Research Octane Number) indicates the fuel’s resistance to knocking. Higher-octane E10 (RON 97) is produced by mixing the ethanol blend with a small amount of premium gasoline, which raises the price. The different octane levels also correspond to stricter emission standards, so the fuel’s cost reflects both performance and environmental compliance.
Vehicle Compatibility
Not all engines can use every E10 grade. Ford, for example, advises owners of Euro-5-compliant models (Territory, Everest Platinum+, Ranger Raptor V6) to refuel with E10 RON 95-V rather than the lower-grade 95-III to meet the manufacturer’s emission requirements.
Yamaha’s newer motorcycles equipped with electronic fuel injection have been certified to run on any E10 blend, while carbureted models built before 2017 should stick to E5 RON 92 or E10 RON 95-III to avoid potential issues.
E5 – The Low-Ethanol Alternative
E5 fuel contains 4-7.5 % ethanol (Petrolimex TCCS 06:2026/PLX) and is usually sold as RON 92-II, priced around 21,780 VND / L. Because of its lower ethanol content, E5 is gentler on older carbureted engines, plastic fuel-system components, and seals that can degrade faster with higher ethanol blends.
For classic motorcycles and older cars, many experts recommend E5 as a safer interim solution before a full transition to E10.
Where to Find Each Grade
Most stations across Vietnam stock E10 RON 95-III. Premium stations, especially those in the Petrolimex network, also carry RON 95-V. Select outlets—such as STS stations in Ho Chi Minh City—offer the premium RON 97 blends.
E5 is less common but can still be located via the “Near Me” feature in the “Quanh tôi” app or through local fuel-price listings.
Future Outlook
According to Decree 50/2025, E5 RON 92 will remain in the market until the end of 2030, giving consumers a decade to adapt to the higher-ethanol E10 system.
Understanding the octane rating, emission standards, and vehicle compatibility helps you choose the right blend and avoid unexpected price surprises.