Thailand approves floating LPG storage

Thailand has approved a 40,000-metric ton (mt) liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage project as it gears up for a surge in imports over the next four months, Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul said. About 80,000-90,000 mt per month of LPG is expected to arrive in Thailand over September to December, more than the 323,800 mt that arrived over January to August, due to the start-up of a new olefins plant by PTT Chemicals in the fourth quarter, he said. PTT, Thailand’s sole LPG importer, has only one LPG receiving terminal in Khao Bo Ya in Chonburi province, which has a current capacity of 60,000 mt. (August 27, 2009)