Starting November 21, the Energy Ministry will reduce the amount of palm oil used in biodiesel, changing the standard from B7 to B5 biodiesel, in response to increasing palm oil prices, reports The Nation.
B7 biodiesel contains 7% palm oil mixed with 93% petroleum diesel, while B5 has a lower concentration of palm oil at 5%. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga announced that the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) approved this change on Thursday, aimed at lowering biodiesel costs.
Minister Pirapan reassured motorists that the shift from B7 to B5 will not affect vehicle engine performance. He also confirmed that the National Palm Oil Policy Committee has been informed about the change.
The rising cost of crude palm oil has pushed biodiesel prices to 48 baht per litre or higher.
Since May 1, Thailand discontinued the sale of B10 biodiesel, leaving B7 and B20 as the only biodiesel options on the market. B7 biodiesel was rebranded as “biodiesel,” while B20 retained its original name.
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