Hanoi (VNA) – One month since Vietnam launched nationwide sales of E10 biofuel, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has reported initial signs that the fuel is helping reduce emissions and protect the environment, but longer-term monitoring and a broader environmental observation network are needed to make full assessments on the benefits of switching to biofuel.
Speaking at the ministry's second-quarter press conference on July 7, Dao Duy Anh, Deputy Director of the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion, said reducing emissions and protecting the environment are among the key objectives of replacing conventional petrol with E10.
Anh cited scientific calculations as showing that reducing each litre of fossil fuel can cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 2.3kg. Ethanol blending also increases the oxygen content of petrol, enabling more complete combustion, improving fuel efficiency and curbing the release of some pollutants.
To assess E10's environmental impact, the MoIT requested monitoring data from the Centre for Environmental Monitoring under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Initial data were collected in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where samples were taken before and after the nationwide rollout of E10 on June 1.
Preliminary results show several environmental indicators have declined although findings differ between the two cities, he noted.
Anh said the results are affected by factors such as traffic density, weather conditions, wind speed and sampling time. While the initial figures are encouraging, they are insufficient to conclude that the improvements are solely attributable to E10.
He stressed that more comprehensive monitoring over a longer period, with a wider observation network and more frequent measurement, is needed for a precise and objective assessment.
The MoIT has asked the Centre for Environmental Monitoring to continue collecting data not only in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but also in other localities. Updated findings will be released once sufficient long-term data are available.
The MoIT has also gathered consumer feedback since the nationwide introduction of E10. Between June 1 and June 29, the Vietnam Competition Commission received 293 reports through its hotline and email. Most concerns related to fuel quality, difficulties locating E10 filling stations during the initial rollout, and worries about possible effects on vehicle performance. Some users also reported sluggish engine performance or engine stalling after refuelling with E10.
The ministry said all complaints have been handled or referred to relevant authorities for review.
After one month, E10 consumption reached about 1 million cubic metres, equivalent to the previous consumption of conventional petrol. According to major fuel wholesalers and distributors, there haven't been verified reports about E10 causing engine damage or adversely affecting vehicle performance.
Anh said the initial results indicate the nationwide rollout has begun to achieve its intended objectives. The ministry will continue monitoring both environmental indicators and consumer feedback to build a more comprehensive scientific database on the impact of E10 and provide accurate information for the public./
