Shop-house gas sellers to cut stock
Cooking-gas retailers operating in shop houses will have to reduce their stock over a 15-year period.
"The Energy Business Department is reviewing laws to ensure safety and to take care of the environment. We have implemented seven ministerial regulations and seven more are awaiting approval from the Council of State," Metta Banterngsuk, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, said yesterday. Under the Energy Ministry's regulation taking effect in April, retailers cannot lay up a huge supply of cooking gas at locations in crowded communities or residential units. Shop-house retailers would need to reduce their stock from 1,200 kilograms to 600kg in 10 years and 60kg in 15 years. Shop houses would become a place for customers to place their orders. New retailers can stock cooking gas only in houses or stand-alone buildings. Retailers will be required to report their stock level to the Energy Business Department. Over 3,000 retailers who keep more than 300kg of cooking gas would need a licence. Violators would face a maximum of two years' imprisonment or Bt200,000 in fines.
Energy Reporters
The Nation
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