Subsidizing of both types of biodiesel

BANGKOK, 13 January 2011 (NNT)-The Ministry of Energy has agreed to subsidize the prices of B3 and B5 bio-diesel by 80 satang and 1 baht per liter, respectively; while raising the price of LPG to 780 dollars per ton in the hope of reducing liquid gas import from overseas.

Energy Minister Wannarat Channukul has disclosed that the committee on energy policy making has agreed to the subsidizing of both types of bio-diesel, citing that the move will prompt PTT Plc and Bang-jak to delay raising their retail prices.

Even though several private-owned petrol companies have reportedly increased their retail prices by 50 satang for each type of bio-diesel, the minister said it was up to them to decide whether to bring them down in the near future; however, the prices of diesel in the country should come down if those in Singapore remain stable.

As for LPG in the industrial sector, Mr. Wannarat said the price would be increased beginning in February when the government’s policy on price pegging came to an end. Meanwhile, the price of LPG used in homes and transportation will remain unchanged at the moment although it would probably rise in the future.