BANGKOK, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The Thai government has encouraged the widespread use of B20 biodiesel to help business operators effectively lower their energy expenses, a government official said on Monday.
B20 diesel is a type of diesel blend containing 20 percent Thai palm oil biodiesel, Ratchada Thanadirek, assistant minister to the Prime Minister's Office, said in a government press release.
She said that vehicles compatible with this fuel can operate normally just like those using regular diesel, adding that its key advantage lies in helping reduce fuel costs and increasing the use of domestically produced energy.
To ensure rapid adoption, the Fuel Fund Management Committee has worked to maintain the price of B20 diesel at approximately 5 baht (about 0.15 U.S. dollars) per liter lower than standard B7 diesel.
This subsidy will help the transportation, logistics and industrial sectors, which bear relatively high energy costs, to better manage expenses, alleviating the pressure of rising commodity prices and bringing positive benefits to the public, the official said.
Meanwhile, major oil groups in Thailand have been continuously expanding the retail outlets for B20 diesel, aiming to provide more convenience and options for compatible vehicle owners, she said. ■
