Green transport: Coordination needed between clean fuels and emission standards

The key factor is social consensus

Mr. Truong Manh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Environmental Quality Management Division (Viet Nam Environment Agency), stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has been tasked with advising the Government on issuing a roadmap for implementing emission standards for motorcycles and mopeds, initially to be rolled out in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Mr. Tuan, the emission inspection system has already been applied to cars, but motorcycles remain a “gap” because there are currently no regulations controlling vehicles in circulation. “If the standards are applied starting in 2027, we cannot immediately remove old vehicles; a balanced approach is needed between environmental protection goals and social welfare,” he emphasized.

The biggest challenge, he noted, is practical implementation. Viet Nam will need around 400–500 inspection stations nationwide, with an 18-month preparation period before official application in January 2027. In the initial phase, the Ministry will prioritize completing infrastructure, testing measurement methods, and intensifying public communication so that citizens understand and actively participate.

Additionally, fuel infrastructure remains a concern due to the variety of gasoline types on the market. “Decision 19/2024/QD-TTg sets emission standards at level 5, but in practice, ensuring the supply of compliant fuels requires clear policies so vehicles can operate according to the standards,” he explained.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is currently coordinating with other ministries, including Construction, Science and Technology, and Industry and Trade, to complete infrastructure, technical standards, and public outreach. “The regulations in the initial phase will not be overly strict, and inspection costs will not be high, but the key factor is social consensus,” Mr. Tuan affirmed.

Automakers take initiative to meet emission standards

The Viet Nam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) affirmed that the entire industry is ready to comply with Level 5 emission standards, equivalent to European regulations.

Mr. Dao Cong Quyet, representing VAMA, said that its members have proactively invested in upgrading and converting their production lines since 2022 to comply with national regulations. “All newly imported vehicles currently meet Level 5 emission standards, while used cars comply with at least Level 4,” he noted.

According to Mr. Quyet, the Level 5 standard not only improves vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and longevity but also significantly reduces negative environmental impacts.

Regarding the supply of compliant fuels, he acknowledged that access to Level 5 fuels remains limited, making it difficult for consumers to use vehicles to their full environmental potential. “We hope the Ministry of Industry and Trade will accelerate the nationwide distribution of Level 5 fuels so that customers can operate their vehicles in line with the required standards,” he added.

VAMA also expressed its support for the adoption of a single, unified fuel type - similar to the model applied in developed countries. However, regarding the biofuel E10, Mr. Quyet emphasized the need for a suitable transition roadmap, as many older vehicle models are not yet compatible. The Association recommended strict supervision throughout the entire supply chain, from blending and transportation to distribution, and suggested setting the minimum quality standard for E10 fuel at Level 4.

“The enterprises are ready,” Mr. Quyet stressed, “but successful implementation requires synchronized coordination between regulatory agencies, the media, and the community. Only with such joint efforts can the new emission roadmap be effectively carried out.”

Viet Nam’s fuel market needs unified quality standards

The Chairman of the Viet Nam Petroleum Association emphasized that, to effectively control emissions, it is essential to end the current coexistence of multiple fuel types in the market.

Mr. Bui Ngoc Bao, Chairman of the Viet Nam Petroleum Association, explained that following Decision No. 49/2011/QD-TTg, Viet Nam’s fuel system became increasingly complicated because the country’s two main refineries, Dung Quat and Nghi Son, can only produce fuels that meet Euro 3 standards, while much of the world has already moved to Euro 4 and Euro 5.

“The Vietnamese fuel market is now among the most complex in the world - consumers often don’t know which type of fuel their vehicles should use. Businesses sell according to market demand, and people tend to choose cheaper options, so Euro 2 and Euro 3 fuels still dominate,” he said.

According to Mr. Bao, maintaining multiple fuel types will make it difficult to implement new emission regulations effectively. He recommended moving toward a unified fuel supply, with at least E10 as the standard, to simplify management and encourage consumers to transition.

He emphasized, “Viet Nam once shifted from leaded to unleaded gasoline very quickly without negative public reaction. If we continue to allow both lower- and higher-grade fuels to coexist, we will never achieve our emission reduction goals.”

Identifying emission sources key to pollution reduction

According to Associate Professor Dr. Van Dinh Son Tho from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, accurately identifying emission sources is the key for Vietnam to effectively control urban air pollution.

Associate Professor Dr. Van Dinh Son Tho noted that diesel-fueled transport, together with construction activities and thermal power generation, are the main sources of fine particulate matter (PM) pollution in Hanoi. “Without clearly identifying the causes, emission reduction solutions will hardly be effective in practice,” he emphasized.

Currently, the two domestic oil refineries supply about 70% of Viet Nam’s fuel output, but their products mostly meet only Euro 3 standards. Meanwhile, new car models already comply with Euro 4, whereas the majority of motorbikes still struggle to reach Euro 5. Dr. Tho stressed the need for a synchronized transition, from fuel quality and engine technology to emission management. “At the current pace, Viet Nam could reach Euro 4-5 standards by around 2028,” he predicted.

He also cautioned that switching to electric vehicles only truly benefits the environment when electricity is generated from clean sources. “If power still mainly comes from coal-fired plants, electric vehicles may not emit CO₂ directly, but the PM2.5 generated during electricity production could actually be higher,” he explained.