Thailand eyes halting sale of 91 RON gasoline to boost ethanol

Thailand’s Energy Ministry is studying the possibility of ending the sale of 91 RON gasoline at retail outlets nationwide in a bid to lift ethanol consumption by shifting consumers to gasohol, Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul said on Monday. The interest in boosting ethanol consumption is due to an expected increase in ethanol manufacturing capacity as new plants come on stream, he said. Four to five ethanol plants with a combined capacity of about 1 million liters/day will begin commercial operations this year, he said. At present, operating ethanol plants in Thailand have a combined installed capacity of 1.5 million liters/day but are currently running at around 900,000-1 million liters/day, due to an oversupply of ethanol. “We can’t cancel sales of premium gasoline 95, as some cars must use it, but those who consume gasoline 91 can switch to use gasoline 95 or gasohol,” he said. Gasohol is a blend of ethanol and gasoline. He did not say when the study would be completed. (June 15, 2009)