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Inventory real-time monitoring deployed
YUTHANA PRAIWAN
PTT Plc is doing a test-run of its station and logistics monitoring control software program in an attempt to curb traffic jams and shortages at natural gas stations nationwide, says executive vice-president Nattachat Charuchinda.
Mr Nattachat, who is in charge of the natural gas for vehicles (NGV) department, said the 10-million-baht software system was provided by its subsidiary PTT ICT Solution Co.
It is now being tested at 120 service stations that offer NGV and is expected to be operating in all 355 NGV stations nationwide by the end of this year.
The program provides real-time monitoring of gas volumes available for sale in each station, as well as stocks at gas depots and headquarters inventories across the country.
The system will be programmed to immediately send alarm signals through the online network to the central host when the gas supply at any station falls below one tonne.
The system also is capable of monitoring traffic of vehicles lined up waiting for gas refills.
It can help trace gas-truck fleet locations, as well as the speed of each truck. A global positioning system service provided by the SET-listed communications equipment specialist Forth Co will be installed in the trucks and stations.
PTT currently operates 250 natural gas service stations nationwide, with the number expected to rise to 355 at the end of this year.
Natural gas supply for the transport sector is forecast to rise to nearly 3,000 tonnes a day by year-end from 2,608 tonnes currently.
Mr Nattachat said the IT investment to improve gas logistics was a part of a 20-billion baht pledge by PTT for its natural gas transport business.
PTT has set aside another 24 billion baht for CNG facilities investment budget to increase stations to 740 sites, with a capacity to serve 332,000 units, from 93,000 units at present.
Mr Nattachat complains, however, that the current fixed retail price of natural gas at 8.50 baht per kilogramme has resulted in operating losses.
The appropriate rate should be 12 to 14 baht a kilogramme, and with this price the company's investment return rate would be around 7%.
PTT shares closed on Friday at 246 baht, down four baht, in trade worth 1.31 billion baht.
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