Urged gov to increase Ethanol

BANGKOK, 27 June 2011 -Bangchak Petroluem Plc Ltd is calling on the government to promote the use of ethanol to an anticipated amount of 9 million liters per day within 2022.

Bangchak President Anusorn Saengnimnuan cited the need to increase the consumption of Ethanol 85 and Ethanol 20 in Thailand in order to meet the Ministry of Energy’s target. However, he added that if the consumption could not be supported, it would be difficult to reach the goal.

He said sugar cane and cassava farmers could really benefit from the use of Ethanol 85 instead of normal gas as it would reduce the cost by 80 satangs per kilometer.

He said the consumption trend of E85 is likely to grow in the future and for members of ASEAN to turn to alternative and cost effective fuel would be essential as global oil prices were continuously increasing. Thailand has the potential to become the center of alternative energy knowledge.

Permanent Secretary for Energy Mr. Nokhun Sittipong said his Ministry would push the consumption of ethanol to 9 million liter per day within 2022 and for Thailand to be a hub for ethanol production. Ethanol E85 is currently being sold at 30 billion liter per day in Thailand.