BANGKOK, Thailand – Truck operators gathered outside the Ministry of Energy on Wednesday to demand a price cap of 35 baht per liter on B7 diesel fuel. The Land Transport Federation of Thailand issued a 60-day ultimatum for government action, warning that failure to respond could lead to major protests in the capital.
Federation President Thongyoo Kongkhan formally submitted a petition to Energy Minister Akanat Promphan through his secretary. Thongyoo emphasized that existing state subsidies targeting B20 diesel fail to help most commercial drivers, who rely primarily on B7.
Beyond the price cap, the petition calls for comprehensive energy pricing reforms. Key demands include regulating refinery margins, lowering excise taxes, restructuring national fuel pricing, and investigating an estimated 700 million liters of fuel unaccounted for in the system.
If the government fails to demonstrate progress within 60 days, the federation warned it will mobilize between 500 and 1,000 trucks into Bangkok following upcoming national royal ceremonies. The minister’s secretary accepted the petition, confirming the demands would be presented to Minister Akanat and promising a joint meeting with transport representatives within two weeks. (TNA)
