Concluding a conference on March 26, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to implement the Prime Minister’s directive on the potential rollout of an E10 biofuel transition as early as April 2026, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan underscored that from June 1, 2026, all unleaded gasoline (in accordance with current national technical standards) must be blended into E10 biofuel gasoline for use in gasoline engines nationwide. 

This requirement is mandatory and not subject to adjustment or delay. The issue under discussion at the conference, he noted, is whether the timeline can be brought forward, a move that will largely depend on the preparedness of businesses.

“We are striving to shorten the roadmap by about one month, meaning implementation could begin as early as April. This is a very demanding requirement, not an easy task, and calls for the entire system to act with greater urgency and decisiveness than usual,” he said.

Following discussions with representatives from ministries, agencies, associations, and businesses, many challenges have been clearly identified and are gradually being addressed. Issues related to regulatory mechanisms, standards, and technical conditions are being resolved. However, the most pressing concern at present is not regulatory frameworks but supply capacity.

Market demand is evident. With a blending ratio of 10%, ethanol demand is estimated at around 100,000 - 110,000 cubic meters per month. This figure is fixed, and the key question is whether supply can meet it. Accordingly, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan requested that all enterprises submit official written reports confirming their capabilities. Businesses must clearly state how much ethanol they can supply, within what timeframe, from which sources, and under what conditions. This will serve as the basis for consolidation, assessment, and reporting to competent authorities for decision-making.

Regarding proposals from businesses, the Deputy Minister instructed that matters falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science and Technology should be submitted promptly to both that ministry and the Ministry of Industry and Trade for consolidation. Issues concerning regulatory mechanisms, standards, technical regulations, testing laboratories, and costs must be fully compiled. 

The overarching principle, he emphasized, is to pursue the highest level of determination to accelerate the roadmap. The goal is not only to meet the timeline but to advance it, potentially as early as April, if conditions allow.

On feedstock supply for blending, he called on the Vietnam Biofuels Association and enterprises to develop detailed and concrete plans. Beyond simply ensuring availability, they must clarify the origin of supply, whether domestic or imported, its stability, and pricing, particularly in light of potential volatility in international markets.

At the conference, fuel distributors and ethanol producers expressed strong commitment and put forward specific proposals aimed at enabling the earlier adoption of biofuel gasoline, ahead of the original timeline of June 1, 2026.