Thai government launches natural gas vehicle credit card program

The Thai government has launched a natural gas vehicle (NGV) credit card program which is designed to help public vehicle operators during a possible price surge when the NGV fuel subsidy ends on January 16, 2012, as well as soften the economic impact brought about by the floods. Each cardholder will be entitled to a 3,000 baht (US$96.81) credit line every month for gas purchases and a discount of between 50 satang (US$0.01) to 2 baht (US$0.06) for every kilogram of gas. The total discount value for each cardholder must not exceed 9,000 baht (US$290.38) a month. Some 150 taxis, 100 taxi vans and 15 tuk-tuks have so far registered. (December 19, 2011)