Sales Of Gasohol Soar In Phuket

[george]

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.”

--Phuket Gazette 2005-10-11

[kandt]

It seems like an excellent attempt to save money for the drivers and oil import for the country. Thanks to the independence of the Thai oilindustry, from the large oilcompanies, the Thai authorities have been able to pull this off.

However, its not a new technology but has been in use in various countries for more than ten years.

I'm using it myself but I have a slight inclination that the kms. per liter gasohol is less than normal petrol. In a month I would have driven enough kms. to be more specific.

Cheers...........kandt

[LivinLOS]

Phuket PTT gas stations launched gasohol on the island, some 80% of 95-octane gas users have switched to gasohol.

Does anyone else see that as a wildy over optimistic statement..

Who here has switched ?? 95 goes in all my scooters etc. Never once seen or touched the stuff.. Am I just in the last 20% to hear..

[Welsh John]

To be honest,I dont know what they chuck in my Phantom but it goes. Mind you it is starting to rattle a lot,sounds like my Little End is on its way out.

I shudder to think what its going to cost to get it sorted!!!

[terdsak_12]

Can mopeds work on Gasohol???

[Upcountry]

Note that, according to an article in the Bangkok Post Business section today:

The company promised to take full responsibility for repair costs for any engines and fuel distribution systems arising from the use of its gasohol, on condition that the cars and motorcycles were compatible with gasohol as certified by auto companies.

Well, many cars, including mine, made before 1995 or 1996 are not certified by their manufacturers. I guess we're expected to burn 91 or put the car up on blocks.

[Sir Burr]

Considering that half the gas stations on Phuket are owned by PTT, and PTT has replaced 95 with gasohol (you can't buy 95 any more at PTT) I'm not surprised that gasohol sales figures are up.

All Honda Waves and dreams are supposed to use 91 octane, though 90% of people use 95 (dunno why, it doesn't make them go faster).

If you have a normally aspirated Honda Wave/Dream, you CANNOT use gasohol. It eats away at the rubber and plastic in the carburettor. This was answered in an Issues and Answers question in the Phuket Gazette.

[Upcountry]

I'd be delighted to convert my car to use gasohol, but my dealer tells me it can't be done. If Thailand and the gas companies want to go this route, it means that owners of older 95 benzine burners like me will be up the creek.

I never thought, when I moved here, that I could by a car in 2004 and be unable to find fuel for it 2 1/2 years later.