Shell resumes sales of octane 91 gasoline in Thailand after three-year hiatus

After a three-year hiatus, Shell is selling octane 91 gasoline again in Thailand. The move was in response to the decision of the Thai government to reduce Oil Fund contributions on petrol and diesel fuel. Pissawan Achanapornkul, chairwoman of Shell Company of Thailand, explained that the resumption of its sale will allow Shell to stay on track with a 2-3% sales volume increase this year. The reduced levies make the price of octane 91 petrol cheaper than gasohol 95, making it more attractive to consumers. Significantly, sale of gasohol 95 at Shell stations have already dropped by 20% compared to the same period last year; gasohol 91 sales went up by 19%. Within a month, the company hopes to have 260 sites selling the petrol. The government indicated that the price cut could last from six to 12 months. (September 23, 2011)