Accelerating the E10 fuel rollout: Businesses prepared, public expectations

Localities including Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Hue City are rolling out biofuel E10 in line with government directives, with enterprises preparing fuel-distribution infrastructure and supply chains while communications efforts are intensified to build public consensus.

The rollout follows Circular 50/2025/TT-BCT issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Directive 09/CT-TTg dated March 19, 2026 from the Prime Minister on accelerating the adoption of E10 biofuel. Local authorities have moved quickly to translate the directives into coordinated implementation measures.

Cause and policy framework

In Nghe An, the Department of Industry and Trade advised the provincial People’s Committee and requested fuel retailers strictly follow the biofuel blending schedule. Inspections, supervision and public awareness campaigns were launched in parallel to support implementation.

Officials said the rollout is staged to give businesses time to prepare facilities, feedstock and operations. Agencies have been asked to promptly report difficulties so authorities can provide guidance and solutions.

Development: staged conversion at key localities

Nghe An

Nghe An currently has more than 600 gasoline stations. Petrolimex Nghe An Co., Ltd. leads the network with 86 stores and supplies more than 100 franchised outlets.

A representative of Petrolimex Nghe An said the company has prepared comprehensively for the E10 rollout. It has completed technical infrastructure, tanks and blending systems, while ensuring adequate supply of base gasoline and ethanol. The company also developed a site-by-site transition plan, including staff training and customer communication.

Under the plan, from late April to early May 2026, Petrolimex Nghe An stores will begin conversion. By June 1, 2026, the entire system will be selling E10.

Ha Tinh

In Ha Tinh, preparations are also accelerating. The province has 242 retail stations and a storage system with total capacity of over 129,000 cubic meters to support wide deployment.

Petrolimex Ha Tinh Co., Ltd., with 82 stores, has prepared an early conversion plan. Mr. Tran Quoc Hung, Head of Technical Management, said the unit is rinsing and cleaning all storage tanks to meet technical standards before introducing E10 into business from mid-April 2026.

Authorities noted that staged deployment helps firms adapt and minimize market disruption, while people increasingly approach and get accustomed to E10 at stations.

Hue City

In Hue City, deployment is also progressing. The city has 50 enterprises and 127 gasoline outlets, and several units began testing E10 in mid-March 2026.

Ms. Dinh Nhat Le, Deputy Director of Petrolimex Hue, said the E10 blending process is tightly controlled to ensure quality and safety, which is described as a key factor in building consumer confidence as the new fuel is adopted.

Data and public response

Alongside business preparation, public understanding of biofuel is gradually improving.

• In Nghe An, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung said: “At first I was concerned about quality, but after it was explained that this is an environmentally friendly fuel that does not affect engines, I am willing to use it. If prices are reasonable, I think many people will switch to E10.”

• In Ha Tinh, Ms. Tran Thi Mai said: “My family has used E5, so switching to E10 isn’t difficult. The important thing is for stations to ensure quality and provide clear information so the public can feel secure.”

Impact and next steps

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has directed the entire fuel system to plan for supply as E10 adoption expands. Local authorities are also addressing bottlenecks to bring E10 to market, with the staged approach aimed at maintaining continuity of fuel distribution and supporting quality assurance during conversion.