Hanoi: Vietnam will move ahead with the full rollout of ethanol-blended gasoline earlier than planned, as it looks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels amid global energy disruptions, The Hindu reported.
According to a government directive signed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the country will begin nationwide use of E10 fuel — which contains 10 per cent bioethanol — from next month. This advances the earlier timeline of June 1.
The decision comes as fuel prices in Vietnam have surged sharply following the ongoing Iran war, which has disrupted global energy supplies. Data from leading fuel trader Petrolimex shows gasoline prices have risen by 50 per cent, while diesel prices have increased by 70 per cent over the past three weeks.
The government noted that the disruption has led to significant volatility in energy markets, posing challenges for countries dependent on imports and increasing risks to national energy security.
Alongside the shift to ethanol-blended fuel, the directive calls for measures to promote electric vehicles and accelerate the development and use of renewable energy sources.
It also announced that Vietnam will phase out 20-watt to 60-watt incandescent light bulbs starting from the third quarter of 2026 as part of its broader energy efficiency efforts.
