B3 to replace B2 in March

Thailand’s Energy Ministry is preparing to announce the replacement of B2 (2% biodiesel blend) with B3 (3% biodiesel blend), at the end of March. Energy Minister Wannarat Channukul said the replacement will be made at the beginning of April 2010 at the latest. A survey of raw materials for biodiesel production showed that the quantity of oil palm is sufficient for a whole year’s supply. At present, domestic demand for diesel oil is around 53 million liters per day, divided into 23 million liters of B5 and 30 million liters of B2. Demand for B100 is approximately 1.8 million liters per day. (February 16, 2010)