Anutin says no date set for Thailand’s gasohol phase-out
The prime minister said any decision would depend on readiness and government studies, rejecting rumours of a 2027 deadline.
Thailand has not fixed a deadline for withdrawing gasohol 91 and 95 from sale, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on November 11. Responding to reports of a 2027 phase-out, he said the proposal was still at an early stage and remained a longer-term possibility.
Speaking to reporters at Government House, Anutin said approval would require studies and supporting figures from the relevant departments. The timing of any change would depend on readiness, he added.
Online claims that motorists would be left with regular petrol and E20 had raised concerns among people whose vehicles cannot use E20. Some social media users also questioned the potential living-cost impact because regular petrol costs more than the two gasohol grades.
Anutin said the government sought to increase confidence in ethanol- and biodiesel-blended fuels. Wider use could cut carbon dioxide emissions, pollution and crude oil import costs, he said. The Energy Ministry had discussed promoting E20 petrol and B20 diesel with vehicle manufacturers, including how to inform customers about compatible models.
The government had also lowered excise taxes on E20 and B20 to ease living costs and support agricultural and transport workers. Separately, Anutin tasked the Energy Ministry and state-owned PTT with examining ways to improve both fuels’ quality.
