A palm oil plantation in southern Thailand. Palm oil is a key ingredient in biodiesel production.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has announced stronger government backing for biofuels in a bid to reduce the country's heavy reliance on imported oil, which currently makes up 90% of total consumption.Only 10% of oil used domestically comes from local sources.
Mr Akanat highlighted biodiesel B20 -- a blend of diesel and 20% palm oil-derived methyl ester -- and gasohol E20, which mixes gasoline with 20% ethanol from sugarcane and cassava, as the fuels set to become primary choices for motorists.
At present, most drivers still opt for gasohol E10 and biodiesel B7, which contain lower levels of biofuel.
Thailand has sold gasohol E10, E20, and biodiesel blends since 2007, but biodiesel B20 only entered the market last month.
