Energy Minister drafting conditions for auction to install NGV tanks in taxis

BANGKOK, 20 August 2009 (NNT) – The Ministry of Energy has made preparations to draft conditions for an auction to select garages that will handle the installation of NGV engines in 30,000 taxis across the nation.

Energy Minister, Dr. Wannarat Channukul, said after a meeting with the commission on supporting natural gas usage in automobiles that due to the Cabinet resolution on 11 August calling for more usage of natural gas, the commission had re-evaluated plans for NGV support in anticipation of its elevated role in daily life. The commission will focus its efforts on preparing for the conversion of all 30,000 taxis nationwide to the usage of NGV, including increasing service stations.

A key issue tackled by the commission was preparations to draft conditions for garages that wish to be allowed to fit NGV engines to taxis. The commission agreed to focus conditions on high standards and transparency in operation.