Minister orders energy agencies to create more jobs
New Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow has instructed state energy agencies to draw up job creation plans to boost the virus-hit economy.
They must also seek ways to ease energy costs for people and consider measures to peg the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas for vehicles (NGV).
He asked them to share the plans with one another in the next two weeks.
He said his policies focused on boosting the subdued economy, creating jobs, and laying a foundation for the country's future energy direction.
The planned community power plants project would continue, he said, with 30 days needed to revise details. The project is expected to invite applications to construct the plants late this year, with commercial operation expected to begin early next year.
On planned bidding for petroleum exploration and production rights, he has asked the Department of Minerals Fuel to gauge the number of potential bidders to assess whether it is worth calling an auction at present.
