Investment proposal for gas stations considered despite suspension: DPM

Proposals for investing in the construction and operation of new gas stations will be considered by the Lao government despite the suspension of such activities, a deputy prime minister has said.
Responding to a question at the recent ordinary session of the National Assembly (NA), Dr Sonexay Siphandone said such proposals will be considered if it is necessary to have gas stations in local communities where needed.
Parliament members suggested new investment proposals for constructing gas stations in local communities should be considered, especially where such facilities are absent, as they are necessary despite the suspension of such activities.
A few years ago, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce suspended the consideration of new investment proposals for gas stations and other petrol businesses in a move to regulate these facilities.
This was done after authorities learnt that many gas stations were being operated without being registered with relevant authorities, which meant that the operators had failed to apply for the required legal documents and licences.
The businesses also failed to meet relevant criteria and standards.
It was reported that gas stations had mushroomed in some areas, especially in cities, and were located too close to each other. This failed to meet the set standards, which require gas stations to be located at least 1,000 metres apart.
According to the regulations, a gas station must distance itself from a community, market, school, hospital or river for safety reasons, but many gas stations were located in prohibited areas.
In light of these issues, the ministry suspended the consideration of new investment proposals for fuel businesses in 2017, and it has been taking action to regulate existing facilities in line with a prime ministerial decree issued in 2017 on petrol businesses, and relevant regulations.
“During the time of regulating (these businesses), the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued a notice suspending consideration of new establishment proposals (for such businesses),” Dr Sonexay told the NA session.
June 1, 2020 was set as the deadline for operators of the gas stations to finish improving their operations in line with relevant criteria and standards.
Currently, the ministry is collecting information to identify petrol businesses that had not improve their operations in line with the criteria by the deadline and to seek possible solutions, Dr Sonexay said.
However, he added that proposals to construct new gas stations in remote communities, where they may be necessary, can be considered right away in line with real need and criteria.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update July 23, 2020)