Energy ministry to set new rules for biofuels

Thailand’s Energy Ministry is preparing to set new regulations for ethanol and biodiesel reserves, aiming to secure supplies to meet growing motorist demand. The new regulation may be implemented by the end of September, according to Metta Bunturngsuk, the director-general of the Department of Energy Business. Metta said details that needed to be studied included the necessary facilities such as storage tanks, and the appropriate reserve rate. While officials want to set up the system quickly, the department would allow companies a six-month grace period to prepare facilities. Metta said that the idea was to cope with a rising trend toward ”green” fuel use among Thai motorists, and to meet biofuel needs in line with the regulation that will make B2, a mixture of 2% biodiesel and diesel fuel, mandatory in April 2008. (September 14, 2007)

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