(Photo: Somchai Poomlard)Thailand's new National Oil Plan will not be affected by PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc's (OR) decision to discontinue sales of gasohol E85, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB). Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of the DOEB, said the move would not affect the oil plan, noting that E85 accounts for only a small share of consumption and has long been unprofitable. "This is a normal business decision to cut losses," he said, adding that Susco Plc had already ceased E85 sales in 2020. Biofuels face higher production costs than fossil fuels, and the government has subsidised ethanol-blended fuels, except E85, through the Oil Fuel Fund. IEA data is among the factors being considered in drafting the National Oil Plan.
