PTT confident despite changes
PTT is confident that its operations will not be affected by recent changes in policy. PTT president Prasert Bunsumpun yesterday said that though the National Energy Policy Office (NEPO) had decided to amend the Royal Decree to deprive the company of privileges over the land on which its pipelines are located, PTT's operations would not be affected.
NEPO on Monday resolved to transfer privileges that include the right to expropriate land for construction to the regulatory body, which will be set up soon."Despite the change, PTT still owns the gas pipelines," Prasert said. Meanwhile, PTT should not be affected if the government opts to use more coal in power generating and reduce the use of natural gas. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand proposed that natural gas should make up 40 per cent of the fuel to be used in future electricity generation. At present, it accounts for 80 per cent. Despite the lower ratio for power generation, PTT should be fine as growth continues in other segments, particularly demand for gas-fuelled vehicles, he said. Prasert also sees the need to invest in a fourth pipeline now that Thailand's gas consumption is on the rise and the country has been looking to import more gas.
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