Thais Less Attracted To Gas For Cars

摘要

Slowing demand for compressed natural gas as automotive fuel in Thailand and the government's move to freeze CNG prices have prompted PTT Plc to reassess its CNG grid investment plan. The state-controlled natural gas distribution monopoly has already opted for indefinitely shelving one of the three proposed lines which altogether would cost some 50 billion baht ($143 million) to build. Suspended is a 373-km line in southern Thailand stretching from Ratchaburi to Prachuap Khiri Khan as low CNG demand in the region undermined its viability, senior PTT officials said. The other two lines - a 172-km line in the central plains running from Ayutthaya to Nakhon Sawan, and a 152-km section in the northeast region stretching from Saraburi to Nakhon Ratchasima -are under scrutiny for possible deferment or scale-down. The sharp decline in oil prices, which have dropped by around 60% in the last three months, has reduced the incentives for petrol-to-CNG conversion among local motorists. The number of vehicles applying for CNG retrofits in July and August dropped by 50% over the same period last year, owing to falling oil prices which prompted car owners to return to using gasoline.