BANGKOK, July 1 (TNA) – Thailand’s supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is in shortage at present mainly because greater numbers of personal vehicles have been converted to use the alternative fuel, according to the Energy Ministry.
The ministry’s officials had been assigned to check gas stocks of retail outlets to see whether they were hoarding the gas as many had charged.
However, the ministry believed the LPG shortage stemmed mainly from the much higher demand for the gas by personal cars.
Officials conceded that LPG procurement had been squeezed because gas use in May had risen by 5,000 tonnes.
In addition, many motorists had participated in ‘runs’ on service stations to fill up with the alternative fuel in response to news reports that the price of LPG would increase this month.
Under the circumstances, the LPG supply has been in shortage with the transport sector having experienced some difficulties.
Meanwhile, the Taxi Drivers’ Association planned to meet with Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop on Tuesday afternoon seeking suspension of the LPG price rise for its members.
Simultaneously, all oil companies except PTT and Bangchak Petroleum opted to raise retail prices of gasoline and diesel by 0.40 and 0.80 baht per litre with immediate effect.
Prices of premium gasoline and diesel offered at oil service stations in greater Bangkok will remain at 43.69 and 43.44 baht per litre. (TNA)