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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called on local leaders to spearhead a national initiative to increase the use of B20 biodiesel. The strategic move is aimed at reducing Thailand's reliance on imported petroleum, bolstering domestic energy security, and providing a significant financial lift to the country's palm oil producers.
According to the Prime Minister, the government is accelerating a broader transition toward renewable energy sources, including solar power and various biofuels, to insulate the economy from volatile energy costs and overseas supply disruptions. B20 is a specialized fuel blend consisting of 20% palm-derived methyl ester and 80% conventional petroleum diesel. To incentivize the market, Mr. Anutin noted that the administration has already implemented a reduction in excise taxes for the biofuel.
Addressing provincial and local leaders, the Prime Minister urged the promotion of B20 particularly among tractor operators and agricultural users, highlighting that the fuel is currently priced approximately 10 Baht per liter cheaper than standard diesel. He revealed that Thailand's daily consumption of B20 previously stood at six million liters; raising this target to 10 million liters would significantly curb oil imports while driving up domestic demand for palm oil, resulting in better market pricing and improved incomes for local farmers.
For gasoline-powered fleets, the government is similarly encouraging the adoption of E20 gasohol, which contains ethanol derived from domestic sugarcane and cassava. Mr. Anutin confirmed that consultations with vehicle manufacturers have verified that petrol vehicles aged 15 years or older can utilize E20 without adverse technical effects. Furthermore, the government is examining ways to enable even older vehicles to adapt to the fuel through minor engine component adjustments.
In line with Thailand's long-term ambition to achieve net-zero emissions, the Prime Minister also outlined plans to promote household solar rooftop installations. Under the proposed scheme, the government would provide a subsidy of up to 50,000 Baht toward installation costs. He emphasized that expanding solar and wind power offers greater energy independence regardless of global conflicts, while simultaneously reducing household utility bills.
Speaking at an academic seminar in Chon Buri's Sattahip district, attended by over 4,000 senior Ministry of Interior officials and provincial governors, Mr. Anutin concluded that these energy transitions represent a vital structural shift to reduce industrial oil consumption and promote sustainable improvements in the quality of life for the Thai population.
Source: Bangkok Post