Vietnam looks to lower ethanol import tax in light of potential deficit

In Vietnam, the government may reduce the import tax on ethanol to 17% from the current 20% in an effort to reduce the cost of E5 at the pump in light of a lack of domestic production despite efforts to create demand for new plants. E5 will become the main gasoline available from early 2018 followed a year later by E10. The two remaining plants producing ethanol in the country supply enough for 3.9 million cu m of E5 but 6.2 million cu m will be required once the mandate comes into effect.