Thai Diesel Prices Surge 7 Baht in Two Days Amid Global Tensions

The segment opens with public frustration over escalating fuel prices, highlighting the daily struggle and hardship faced by citizens.

Protests occurred at the Government House and the Ministry of Energy, reflecting the public's deep dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the fuel crisis.

PTT and Bangchak announced further price adjustments for diesel and premium diesel, with the public rushing to fill up their tanks.

The primary reason cited for the price increase is the rise in global diesel market prices, reaching $292 per barrel.

The Fuel Fund Committee decided to reduce the diesel subsidy by 3.51 satang per liter, leading to increased prices at the pump.

The latest update shows the fuel fund is in deficit by 42,148 million baht, with significant losses in both the oil and LPG accounts.

Global crude oil prices remain high, with Brent crude at $109 and West Texas Intermediate at $111 per barrel, indicating continued market instability.

Reporters captured scenes of long queues at gas stations as citizens expressed frustration and anxiety over the continuous price hikes.

Citizens pleaded with the government for assistance, urging them to control prices and consider the impact on low-income earners.

The increased fuel prices have a cascading effect, raising delivery costs for goods and services, as exemplified by a significantly higher coffee delivery fee.

Measures to support the logistics sector, such as fuel subsidies for transport vehicles and riders, have been announced but are yet to be fully implemented.

Some citizens directly criticized the government's performance, calling it 'bad' and expressing unprecedented levels of hardship.

While some criticize the government, others express understanding of the global situation, acknowledging that other countries face similar challenges.

Concerns are raised about the disproportionate impact of price increases on the poor, who struggle to afford basic necessities.

Various solutions are being discussed, including reducing excise taxes, increasing fuel fund loans, and encouraging refineries to lower refining costs.

The Ministry of Finance warns that some measures could impact revenue collection and increase public debt, necessitating careful consideration.

A timeline of fuel price adjustments since February 28, 2569, shows frequent increases, particularly for diesel, escalating public concern.

The start of April saw further significant price increases, with diesel rising by 3.50 baht, leading to a cumulative 7 baht increase in two days.

The staggered price increases over two days are seen by some as a strategy to manage public reaction, contrasting with previous late-night announcements.

A summary shows cumulative price increases for gasoline at 13.40 baht and diesel at 17.80 baht since March.

The price hikes are severely impacting small businesses, like street food vendors, who face reduced customer numbers and cannot afford to raise prices.

The Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation and other labor groups protested at the Ministry of Energy, demanding solutions to the fuel crisis.

Labor leaders criticized the government's management of fuel reserves, claiming a shortage exists despite official statements of ample supply.

Reports and visuals confirm fuel shortages at some gas stations, particularly in rural areas, forcing people to queue and sometimes leave without refueling.

Concerns are raised that the government's inability to control prices may indicate favoritism towards large corporations.

A former minister points out that fuel is a controlled commodity under the Ministry of Commerce, urging them to enforce price controls.

The president of the State Enterprise Workers Union demands a clear explanation for the fuel price increases, citing their impact on the public.

The Prime Minister denies any conflict of interest within the cabinet regarding fuel prices, asserting the government prioritizes public welfare.

Footage of Thai-flagged boats allegedly involved in smuggling oil to Cambodia raises questions about illegal cross-border trade.

The Prime Minister confirms the establishment of units to combat hoarding and illegal oil exports, vowing strict legal action.

The possibility of reducing the diesel excise tax by one baht is discussed, though some argue it may not be sufficient to alleviate public burden.

The process for implementing tax reductions involves proposals to the Election Commission and budget allocation, causing delays.

The incoming Minister of Energy plans to address high refining costs, aiming to reduce them significantly by April 7, 2569.

Refining costs have doubled to 14 baht per liter in April from 7 baht in March, a figure deemed abnormal and requiring intervention.

The Minister aims to cap refining costs at no more than 5 baht per liter, addressing hidden costs within the current structure.

The Minister also plans to maintain electricity prices at 3.88 baht per unit, preventing an increase to 3.95 baht.

Pathum Thani province begins a local initiative to suspend fuel tax collection for 6 months, starting April 10, to ease the burden on residents.

Former political leader Sudarat Keyuraphan proposes abolishing excise and VAT on fuel, potentially reducing prices by 10 baht per liter.

A call is made for all ministries to cut non-essential expenditures to compensate for potential revenue losses from fuel tax exemptions.