LARGE TRANSPORT operators urged the Srettha Thavisin government to halt the increase of natural gas for vehicles (NGV), or compressed natural gas (CNG), after having reduced the pump price of diesel to less than 30 baht a litre starting tomorrow (Sep. 20), Naewna newspaper said.
At a seminar at Suntara Hotel in Chachoengsao this morning Mr. Apichart Phairungruang, head of Land Transport Federation of Thailand, together representatives from Chachoengsao chamber of commerce and large transport operators complained that the price of NGV jumped from 18.59 baht/kg to 19.59 baht/kg last Saturday (Sep. 16).
This has increased fuel cost with another 1 baht increase of NGV planned for Dec. 16, 2023 taking the retail price after the two hikes to 20.59 baht/kg, Apichart said.
This is contrary to a cut in electricity rate from 4.45 baht to 4.10 baht a unit from this month’s billing cycle onwards and reduction of the pump price of diesel to less than 30 baht a litre starting tomorrow, he pointed out.
NGV is considered a clean energy that causes low levels of pollution compared to other energy sources, especially diesel, which is the main fuel used in the transportation sector.
Promoting the use of NGV is an effective way to solve the problem of PM2.5 air pollution with a lower price being an incentive for vehicle users to switch from diesel to NGV.
“The Land Transport Federation of Thailand will be submitting this issue to the government to seek justice. The Energy Ministry should help maintain the price of NGV at 18.59 baht/kg in order to promote and support the use of biofuels thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming as they do not impact the environment or cause the least toxic pollution, thus helping truck operators survive,” he said.
CAPTION:
Top: A larger banner tied to a truck reads: “NGV up but diesel down, users are going broke”
Insert: Transport operators attending a seminar in Chachoengsao today where they urged the government to control the price of natural gas for vehicles (NGV). Photos: Naewna
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