PTT to kick off E85 sales in Bang Na

PTT has received the Energy Business Department's permission to mix additives into E85 to prevent metal corrosion. Its E85 contains 75 to 85 per cent of pure ethanol and petrol with an octane value of more than 100.

The new fuel will be used with the Volvo S40, a flexible-fuel car, to given confidence to consumers that E85 is compatible with Thai vehicles.

Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop yesterday said the E85 pricing structure would be announced soon, with expectations that it will be at least 30 per cent cheaper than 95-octane petrol. A few auto companies will introduce a total of between 200 and 300 E85-compatible vehicles in the next few months. - The Nation

Major bioplastics event set for October

The National Innovation Agency, in cooperation with private companies and independent institutes, will host "EcoInnovAsia 2008: An International Conference and Exhibition on Biofuel and Bioplastics" from October 3-5 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Presentations on bioplastics will be made by renowned experts from across the world. Leading companies will exhibit their products made using bioplastic, including the Mazda 5 Hydrogen Hybrid, of which the interior is entirely bioplastic and biofabric.

NEC will also showcase bioplastic mobile phones. - The Nation

Energy policy panel to decide LPG pricing

The National Energy Policy Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, will determine the new pricing structure for liquefied petroleum gas. However, the meeting date has not yet been set, Metta Banturngsuk, director-general of the Energy Business Department, said yesterday.

The department and the Energy Policy and Planning Office are finalising measures to stop the use of household gas for other purposes. Metta insisted no chemicals would be mixed in the gas. - The Nation

Sabina profits soar after domestic focus

Clothing-maker Sabina has attributed its 394-per-cent increase in quarterly net profit to a shift in focus from overseas markets to the domestic market. In the second quarter, net profit rose to Bt47.54 million from Bt9.6 million, despite lower revenue.

Sabina chief executive officer Bunchai Punturaumporn said the higher profit margin would drive the company's revenue to meet the Bt2.2-billion target for the year.

At present, 58 per cent of output is marketed domestically. - The Nation

Land, buildings tax bill to Cabinet in Sept

Finance Minsiter Surapong Suebwonglee said yesterday he would submit the land and building tax bill to the Cabinet next month. If the Cabinet approves it, the bill will then be forwarded to the Council of State and Parliament, after which it would take about two years to take effect.

Under the proposed law, all owners of land and house would be taxed while land speculators would be taxed a higher rate. Surapong said distressed assets seized by banks would also be taxed. - The Nation

Nation Books Int'l listing bid in Q4

Nation Multimedia Group plans to file the listing application of its subsidiary Nation Books International to the Market for Alternative Investment and the Securities and Exchange Commission in the fourth quarter. - The Nation