Bangchak to directly buy rice from farmers

BANGKOK, Nov 3 (TNA) -- Thailand's Bangchak Petroleum Public Co Ltd or Bangchak, in response to the government's policy to help relieve the burden of rice farmers, by planning to hold direct purchase of rice from farmers and sell it at over 100 of the company's gas stations in the capital starting this November 5. Bangchak President Chaiwat Kovavisarach said that Bangchak, in support of the government's policy to immediately help alleviate the hardships of rice farmers due to the low rice price, would purchase high grade jasmine rice directly from farmers, in order to sell the rice at over 100 of company's gas stations in Bangkok and peripheral areas. Bangchak is set to purchase the rice at a price range between 32-35 baht per kilogramme but would sell the price to the public at a price of 30 baht a kilo starting on November 5. Mr Chaiwat said farmer in other provinces could also get in touch with the local Bangchak gas stations to sell their rice products there without any cost. He said the project would help farmers to directly sell their products to consumers at a suitable price, whereas the consumers would get to purchase high quality rice at low prices. Mr Chaiwat has also encouraged the public to help the farmers by making purchases, while pointing out that the remaining unsold rice would be given to the schools situated around the Bangchak refineries to help provide lunches for school children. (TNA)