The ministry will propose a screening committee for consideration of the draft before forwarding it to the Cabinet on February 15.

Also yesterday, the Cabinet approved the Commerce Ministry's draft proposal for a safeguard act to protect the country's interests amidst an influx of imports.

The law will focus on drawing up measures to protect local manufacturers and consumers from the increase in imports that would follow the opening up of markets.

Affected local firms would be able to report their problems to the Commerce Ministry's Foreign Trade Department. - The Nation.

Oranut's role

Deputy Commerce Minister Oranut Osathanon is assigned to oversee the Insurance Department, the Intellectual Property Department, the Public Warehouse Organisation, and the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand.

In her new role, she will also be responsible for developing and improving the quality of agricultural products such as rice and cassava for export.

Oranut said the Commerce Ministry would be vigilant about the price of rice and would respond to any price fluctuations accordingly. - The Nation.

Gasohol cut

Oil retailers have slashed gasohol prices by 30-50 satang per litre, to reflect the lower ethanol price.

At Shell stations, gasohol 91 will today be priced at Bt23.29 per litre and gasohol 95 at Bt23.79.

PTT and Bangchak reduced prices yesterday.

Both companies' gasohol 95 is now priced Bt1.80 per litre cheaper than octane-95 petrol.

PTT senior executive vice president Chaiwat Chooritti said the retailers' marketing fees for gasohol

95 and octane-95 petrol were now similar, making it more attractive for retailers to promote gasohol sales.

Earlier, the gasohol 95 marketing fee was 30 satang lower than that for octane-95. - The Nation.