Oil and Gas Well Compensation Scope Expanded: Miaoli Beneficiaries to Exceed 10,000

Miaoli County Magistrate candidate Chen Pin-an announced today that the Ministry of Economic Affairs is considering expanding the compensation scope for oil and gas wells to a 1.2km radius around well sites. This move would expand the number of beneficiaries in Miaoli from 4 villages in 3 townships to 17 villages in 6 townships, increasing the impacted population from approximately 2,000 to over 10,000 people. Chen attended a policy briefing at the Legislative Yuan today with local representatives and Ministry officials. The new mechanism divides areas into Category 1 (well site villages) and Category 2 (within 1.2km of the site, excluding Category 1). The total feedback fund budget for 2026 is projected to increase to 114 million TWD from 66 million TWD in 2025. Category 1 beneficiaries are expected to receive 1,650 to 2,400 TWD, while Category 2 will receive about 400 TWD. Amendments are expected to be finalized by mid-May, with funds reaching residents by October.