Energy Ministry calls oil traders to buy local crude palm oil stearin

BANGKOK, 24 November 2009 (NNT) – The Energy Ministry called oil traders to a meeting today, as it was found that a large amount of crude palm oil stearin was being imported for bio-diesel manufacturing.

Mr Praphon Wongtharua, Director of Bureau of Biofuel Development, said that the Energy Ministry would have discussions with seven oil traders including PTT, Bangchak and Shell, to formulate the direction of purchasing bio-diesel B100 from the sellers. The traders would focus on the origin of bio-diesel B100 whether the contents were local or imported materials.

It was found that bio-diesel producers imported palm oil stearin from abroad despite the government’s policy to promote the local bio-diesel to support Thai farmers. The meeting aimed to get the cooperation from oil traders otherwise more control measures would be issued.