January 7, 2009
Bangkok (ASTV Manager Online) - Energy Minister Dr. Wannarat Charnnukul confirmed the energy ministry would subsidize oil prices so that the prices would not go up much.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced not to extend the excise tax cuts in diesel oil and gasohol after the six-month measures ended at the end of January.
Wannarat expected not less than three billion baht from the Oil Fund would be spent on delaying oil price hikes on February 1.
Gasohol tax will increase 3.30 baht a litre whereas biodisel B2 tax 2.30 baht a litre and B5 tax 2.10 baht a litre respectively.
The first National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) meeting will take place on January 16 and PM Abhisit will chair the meeting.
The adjustments of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices would be discussed at the meeting.
Abhisit earlier ordered relating units to review the LPG price structure.
PTT Plc imported LPG worth 8.9 billion baht, and the government had to compensate the price difference.
There will be about 200-300 million baht of cash left in the 10-billion-baht Oil Fund after repaying all debts.
