Talks set to go ahead on scheduling date for E20 as basic benzene fuel
The Department of Energy Business under the Energy Ministry will this week discuss with oil retailers and refineries the date to announce gasohol E20 as the basic benzene fuel and cancel gasohol 91.
“We expect to launch this in the third quarter to maintain the price of energy crops, such as cassava and sugarcane, which are raw materials for ethanol production,” department director-general Nantika Thangsupanich said.
“We aim to increase ethanol use to 7 million litres per day from the current 4-5 million litres.”
She said the department would study the properties of gasohol E20 and other basic benzene fuels and ways to improve E20 quality to gain consumer confidence.
“We have to consider many issues, such as production capacity during the drought season and government policy before announcing the date to promote gasohol E20,” she said.
“Meanwhile, independent gas station retailers have submitted a letter to the department to consider cancelling the sale of some oils, which has caused a burden where oil costs are concerned.
“Thailand has up to ten types of fuels, including five benzene and gasohol fuels and three diesel fuels. This does not include premium grade oils,” she pointed out.
Nantika said the department is improving details of the Oil Plan 2018 in accordance with the Power Development Plan 2018 and Alternative Energy Development Plan 2018.
“We expect to be open for comments in one or two months,” she added. “Initially, consumption of ethanol and biodiesel by the end of 2037 will be reduced from the original plan due to a change to electric vehicles, energy-saving measures and performance of new car models."