Determination of Biodiesel Prices in Thailand

Abstract:

Biodiesel is a diesel equivalent fuel produced from biological feed stocks, acting as a substitute for petroleum or fossil diesel. Biodiesel production in Thailand began in 2005, with prices stabilizing after 2008. Biodiesel, along with other biofuels, plays a role in Thailand’s Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP). The purpose of this study is to examine factors in the Thai biodiesel prices (2009-2014). The study assessed factors in downstream biodiesel prices at consumer locations like gas stations. The price factors assessed in the study included ex-refinery prices, excise taxes, municipal taxes, oil fund contributions, energy conservation fund conributions, marketing margin and exchange rate (USD). Regression results showed that all of these factors were significant (r² = 0.867). The implication of the study is that while most of the retail price of biodiesel in Thailand is attributable to cost factors, there is some unexplained variance in price. This offers an opportunity for future research.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 839)
• Pages: 81-87
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.839.81
• Online since: June 2016
• Authors: Kornkamol Laung-Iem, Prapita Thanarak*
• Keywords: Biodiesel, Impact, Renewable Energy, Retail Prices

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