Vietnam Rushes Biofuel Rollout as Iran War Prompts Energy Pivot

Vietnam has moved up its timeline for the mandatory use of biofuel despite concerns over supply levels, quality and cost, as it seeks to strengthen energy security while the Middle East conflict drags on.

A nationwide rollout of E10, a mix of 10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, aims to start at the end of this month ahead of an original June timetable, according to a trade ministry draft regulation. The move, which follows similar drives in Indonesia and Thailand, is intended to reduce dependence on petroleum products that are becoming increasingly expensive as the Iran war disrupts global oil and gas supplies.