BANGKOK, Thailand – The Joint Management and Monitoring Center has reported that global crude oil prices have surged by approximately 122 percent, reaching 158 US dollars per barrel.
To shield the public from these volatile global costs, the Ministry of Energy is using the Oil Fuel Fund to keep domestic retail prices at a manageable level, with diesel at approximately 31.40 baht per liter and Gasohol E10 at 33.05 baht per liter. These rates remain significantly lower than those in neighboring countries like Malaysia and Vietnam.
In tandem with energy subsidies, the Ministry of Commerce has imposed strict price controls on 59 essential items to prevent opportunistic overpricing during the crisis. These categories include processed foods, milk, and agricultural fertilizers.
To further ease the cost of living, the government is expanding its Blue Flag outlets nationwide and providing farmers with discounted Green Flag fertilizers.
Officials are currently conducting on-site inspections across Bangkok and surrounding areas to ensure that businesses do not unfairly raise prices on consumer goods.
Regarding the safety of Thai nationals, the situation in the Middle East remains severe as attacks expand toward energy infrastructure and maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The government successfully coordinated the evacuation of 14 Thai workers from Bandar Abbas, Iran, who were transported by sea to Turkey on Monday. (NNT)
