Petrolimex to replace mineral petrol with biofuel ahead of schedule

The Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) is accelerating efforts to expand the rollout of E10RON95 biofuel nationwide, aiming to fully replace mineral pertrol ahead of schedule.

The group plans to scale up the distribution of E10RON95 as early as April, following encouraging results from its pilot programme. Current consumption has reached an average of 95 cu.m per day, up around 40% compared to the start of the trial phase launched on August 1, 2025. 

Petrolimex has piloted the biofuel at 60 petrol stations in Ho Chi Minh City and central Quang Ngai province. To date, no customer complaints regarding fuel quality have been recorded, reflecting growing consumer confidence in the product, it said. 

Following the issuance of Circular No. 50/2025/TT-BCT by the Ministry of Industry and Trade last November, which outlines the roadmap for blending biofuels with traditional fuels and targets the complete replacement nationwide starting June 1 this year, Petrolimex has upgraded storage facilities and blending systems, secured ethanol supply sources, and optimised logistics and base fuel planning. 

Petrolimex to replace mineral petrol with biofuel ahead of schedule -0
A filling station of Petrolimex in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

The transition comes amid global supply uncertainties, including disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. Petrolimex estimates that replacing the entire mineral petrol with E10RON95 could cut its monthly mineral fuel volume by nearly 10%, equivalent to 35,000–40,000 cu.m. 

However, challenges remain. The firm requires 45,000–50,000 cu.m of ethanol per month for producing the biofuel while domestic production can only meet part of the demand. 

Since early March, Petrolimex has been negotiating both short- and long-term import contracts with partners in the US, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore to secure sufficient supply though costs may rise due to global transport and fuel price hikes. 

To promote wider adoption, it has proposed policy support, including environmental tax reductions, clearer fuel standards and strict quality control measures to ensure consumer confidence in the lower-emission fuel.

VNA

Other News

Major works at Long Thanh International Airport gather pace towards completion

Major works at Long Thanh International Airport gather pace towards completion

The ACV said on July 20 that contractors are deploying additional workers and equipment to speed up construction under Component Project 3, which covers the airport's essential aviation infrastructure. Major facilities, including the first and second runways, taxiways, aircraft aprons, the passenger terminal apron and the aircraft fuel supply system, are approaching completion.

GDP expands 8.18%, with new growth drivers taking shape

GDP expands 8.18%, with new growth drivers taking shape

According to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, GDP expanded by 8.39% in the second quarter, up from 8.14% a year earlier. Growth for the first six months reached 8.18%, exceeding the 7.63% recorded in the same period of 2025. The performance reflected broad-based contributions from both the supply and demand sides of the economy.

Vietnamese economy sustains momentum on strong industrial production

Vietnamese economy sustains momentum on strong industrial production

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance reported that the manufacturing and processing sector remained the principal driver of economic growth, accounting for 33.07% of the economy's total value-added growth during the first six months of the year.

Government urges vigilance as inflation pressures mount in H2

Government urges vigilance as inflation pressures mount in H2

The Government's inflation target remains within reach despite mounting headwinds. Several forecasts suggest inflation can stay below 4.5% this year if international oil prices continue to retreat. Extending domestic fuel tax incentives through year-end, along with stable electricity prices, healthcare fees and exchange rates, would offer additional relief.

Plan issued to develop agricultural logistics system

Plan issued to develop agricultural logistics system

A key target is that by 2030, all concentrated agricultural, forestry and fisheries production areas will have access to essential services, including product traceability, quarantine, testing, quality certification, processing and market development. The move reflects growing international demand for stricter food safety, quality and traceability standards, which have become increasingly important for agricultural exports.

Vietnam seeks stronger export growth in H2

Vietnam seeks stronger export growth in H2

Despite the encouraging performance, Vietnam's exports remain heavily dependent on a limited number of major markets and product groups, while the domestic value added of many export products remains relatively low because of their reliance on imported raw materials and components.

RoK picks Vietnam as K-Food logistics hub for ASEAN expansion

RoK picks Vietnam as K-Food logistics hub for ASEAN expansion

Demand for Korean food in Vietnam has continued to grow rapidly alongside the popularity of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, making the country a strategic market in the RoK's plan to expand agricultural and food exports to ASEAN, the RoK's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said.

Nearly 68,000 smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit cases uncovered in H1

Nearly 68,000 smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit cases uncovered in H1

Authorities detected and handled 67,937 violations in the first half of the year, up 36.66% year-on-year. Budget revenue from enforcement reached nearly 9.65 trillion VND (nearly 367 million USD), an increase of 49.36%, while investigation was launched into 1,676 criminal cases involving 2,789 suspects.

Vietnam joins global push for energy efficiency

Vietnam joins global push for energy efficiency

Participation in the Montreal Declaration also provides a foundation for Vietnam to explore deeper engagement with the IEA's multilateral energy efficiency initiatives, offering opportunities to access data, policy experience, technical tools and public-private partnership models in energy conservation.

Vietnam's Q2 GDP rises 8.39% amid broad-based economic growth

Vietnam's Q2 GDP rises 8.39% amid broad-based economic growth

Releasing the country's socio-economic data for the second quarter and the first half of the year on July 3, NSO Director Nguyen Thi Huong said Vietnam sustained positive growth across most industries and sectors despite a challenging international economic environment.

Public-private partnerships drive low-emission rice farming

Public-private partnerships drive low-emission rice farming

Experts agreed that integrating nutrient management, biotechnology, mechanisation and digital technologies will enhance productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the transition towards greener, more sustainable rice production.