Energy Minister Reaffirmed Normal Energy Trade Between Thailand and Cambodia

via CAAI

9 February 2011

The energy minister has reaffirmed that there has been no order from the government or the army to stop sending energy products to Cambodia.

Energy minister Wannarat Channukul confirmed that energy products are being traded normally between Thailand and Cambodia, despite the recent tensions.

He said there has not been an order from the government or the army to stop sending energy products to Cambodia, and that this it is not under the authority of the energy ministry to decide.

He added that trading activities will follow the free-trade agreement, and that no exact export numbers have been reported so far.

Domestic oil prices are starting to decline in line with world oil prices, due to the improving situation in Egypt.

However, fuel compensation funds are still needed.

Within one week, discussions with Finance Minister Korn Chantikavanij will be held on decreasing fuel taxes to reduce the burden on the government budget.

Regarding the joint-standing committee on commerce, industry, and banking proposing a postponement of the increase of LPG gas prices by 1-2 years, Wannarat stated that the Energy Ministry clearly announced the floatation of LPG gas prices.

However, the ministry welcomes all opinions for further consideration.

The energy minister recently went to a signing ceremony to give concession holders the right to inspect two pieces of land.

The first piece being land number L14/50 covering Petchaboon, Chaiyaphum, and Phitsanulok provinces.

This concession belongs to JSX energy holdings limited.

The second piece being land number L29/50 covering Nakorn Ratchasima and Chaiyaphum provinces. This concession belongs to TPI polene power plant.

The concession for both on land and in the gulf of Thailand consist of 65 panels of land, and the Energy Ministry has so far approved 22 petroleum concessions.