Sales of gasohol soar in Phuket

PHUKET: Energy Minister Viset Jupiban has confirmed that gasohol is an effective fuel, saving users money and also reducing pollution.

Gasohol, also known as E10, is developed in Thailand by the Royal Chitralada Project and is made up of 99.5% pure ethyl alcohol sourced from sugarcane, blended with gasoline in a 1:9 ratio. This results in an alternative fuel with properties similar to 95-octane unleaded gasoline.

During his visit to Phuket on October 9, K. Viset said, “Since we launched gasohol as an alternative to 95-octane gasoline, we’ve had positive feedback. However, even though gasohol is well distributed in Bangkok it could be better distributed here.

“Sales of the alternative fuel have reached nine times the expected [nationwide] amount since January.”

He said that there is nothing to worry about regarding the fuel’s safety because it is already widely used in the US and Europe.

“This fuel doesn’t damage vehicles’ engines at all, and helps drivers save money as well as reducing pollution,” he said.

Vichitpong Cheanthongsub, Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) Oil Phuket Depot Manager, told the Gazette that since September 16, when Phuket PTT gas stations launched gasohol on the island, some 80% of 95-octane gas users have switched to gasohol.

“Feedback is positive,” he said. “Gasohol is a better fuel than 95-octane so users are pleased with the results.”