BANGKOK, 5 November 2018 (NNT) – Thailand’s Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) has announced an increase in the proportion of biodiesel to be used in automotive diesel oil, which is expected to increase the country’s consumption of palm oil by 80,000 metric tonnes per year.
Energy Minister Siri Jirapongphan revealed that the minimum proportion of biodiesel to petroleum diesel will be raised from 6.6% to 6.9%. Initially, the required rate will be increased to 6.8% effective from November 8th this year. Biodiesel is typically derived from palm oil and, therefore, this measure will trigger a palm oil purchase order of around 15,000 tonnes.
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and The Transport Company Ltd have also agreed to a month-long trial of B20 diesel in its public transport vehicles. B20 diesel contains a minimum 20% biodiesel.
If adopted, the two companies would consume up to seven million liters of B20 diesel per month, resulting in a total 20 million liters of B20 diesel consumed in December.
Both measures are expected to increase the use of palm oil to 1.9 million tonnes per year. However, Thailand produces an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of palm oil per year.
Source: National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) National News Bureau & Public Relations : http://thainews.prd.go.th
Reporter : Benjamin Rujopakarn Rewriter : hugh brammar
