Bio-fuel from China to be retailed in Vietnam

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-05 11:41

HANOI -- Ethanol fuel imported from China is to be tested for retail use in Vietnam this month at a lower price compared to other types of fuels, the local newspaper Young People reported Friday.

The new fuel, a bio-fuel alternative and known as Gasohol E5, will be introduced at two gas stations in the capital city of Hanoi by a subsidiary of the state-owned PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (PV Oil).

The bio-fuel will also be implemented for trial usage in 50 taxis, both four-seat and seven-seat vehicles.

"Our preparations are completed and after the launching, the fuel will be sold regularly in the market," said Vu Thanh Ha, general director of the PetroVietnam Biogas Joint Stock Company under PV Oil, which imports and supplies the fuel.

Made from five percent of ethanol and 95 percent of A92 fuel, Gasohol E5 is expected to be priced at about one dollar per liter in the local market, cheaper than A92 fuel costing 1.03 dollars.

Ha said the fuel was initially imported from China and later will be produced in a domestic factory. The first locally-produced ethanol fuel will be available in the second quarter of 2010.