Opposition against NGV price floatation
Private bus operators have opposed the Energy Ministry's plan to float NGV retail price, saying that the decision was not based on the actual price and was approved regardless of the monopolistic nature of such business.
Chainiran Phayomyaem, a member of a political development council, said that PTT could not yet respond to NGV demand but it is allowed to monopolise the industry. HIs group threatens to take actions if the decision is not revised within 7 days.
The price floatation is scheduled to start on Jan 16. It will be increased by Bt0.50 per month, to raise the price from Bt8.50 per kg now to Bt14.50.
PTT claimed that it has shouldered Bt10 billion a year in selling NGV below actual cost, which is estimated at Bt14.90 inclusive of transportation cost. The higher volume of sale, the higher loss it shoulders.
Taxi drivers earlier voiced opposition to the plan.
PTT last week introduced the energy credit card, to give free Bt3,000 credits and discounts for monthly NGV purchase worth no more than Bt9,000. Yet, only taxi drivers with public driver licenses are entitled to the scheme. It was reported that from about 60,000 taxi drivers, fewer than 4,000 possess such licenses.
PTT today launched the campaign to help taxi drivers get the licenses.
