BANGKOK, Aug 7 (TNA) – The Energy Ministry has coordinated efforts with PTT Public Company Limited and Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited to accelerate increasing the number of oil service stations where bio-diesel is available to 200 within this year.

The Ministry's Deputy Permanent Secretary Pornchai Rujiprapa said the move was made as part of the alternative fuel promotion scheme.

The ministry assured the two oil traders of the sufficient bio-diesel amount because it would use only 20,000 litres of the fuel per day to mix for 40,000 litres of  bio-diesel formula B5 available for sale at the oil service stations or around 2,000 litre per station per day.

He said both companies are confident of accelerating increasing the number of such service stations as planned.

“Speeding up the opening of service stations where bio-diesel is available is a drive to make drivers aware of the fuel and dare to use it.

“Since certain bio-diesel has been available in PTT and Bangchak service stations, some people prefer using it because it is 0.50 baht cheaper than a diesel price,” he said.

On a concern palm prices edged up to 16 baht from 14 baht, Mr. Pornchai said, it did not obstruct the bio-diesel production because the higher costs remain lower than the diesel prices.

Based on the increased palm oil prices, the bio-diesel could be produced at around 25-26 baht per litre. When mixed with bio-diesel formula B5, the alternative fuel remains cheaper than diesel whose current prices are around 27-28 baht per litre.

He said the palm oil prices had begun to increase since production plants returned to buy palm for crude production, which would benefit farmers.