RPC aims to boost biodiesel sales by 5%

SET-listed Rayong Purifier Plc (RPC) expects its new biodiesel operation to lift its sales this year by 5.4% to 23.2 billion baht (US$682 million), up from 22 billion baht (US$647 million) last year, the Bangkok Post reports. RPC’s revenue from its main business, oil refining and service stations, is projected to stay flat this year at 22 billion baht (US$647 million), with the decline in demand for fuel amid the recession. RPC’s wholly owned Pure Biodiesel Co. has operated since January, said Supapong Krishnakan, the chairman of RPC’s executive board. The official grand opening for the biodiesel plant was held on June 12. The plant is located on 10 rai of land in Tambon Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province, with an investment of 500 million baht (US$14.71 million). The production capacity is 300,000 liters per day or 100,000 tons per year. RPC aims to push the utilization rate to 75% or more by year-end, and to reach full capacity by 2011 when the government will enforce the mandatory use of B5, a mix of 5% biofuel and high-speed diesel. RPC is considering investing in both upstream (in plantations) and downstream (in oleochemical production), as well. (June 15, 2009)