BANGKOK: Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Saturday (March 28) apologised for disruptions caused by fuel price management and outlined measures to cushion the impact on vulnerable groups and key sectors.
He said the government had kept fuel prices low to ease the public burden, as it had initially expected the conflict in the Middle East to be short-lived.
However, he said it was forced to revise its approach and announced a six-baht-per-litre (18 US cents) increase on Thursday as the conflict dragged on and global oil prices surged.
"The government had to adjust its approach to cushion the impact, particularly for low-income groups, farmers, the transport and fisheries sectors, and industrial operators, in order to manage the cost of living,” he told reporters during the Meet the Press session at Government House on Saturday.
The government is focussing on four key areas, foreign affairs, energy security, price controls and mitigation measures, with all relevant agencies working closely to manage the impact.
He added that the Foreign Ministry has stepped up negotiations with various countries, focusing on logistics and maritime transport.
On the domestic oil situation, Anutin said shortages at petrol stations in certain areas are beginning to ease.
"Authorities have worked closely across agencies to increase transport frequency, inject reserve oil into the system, crack down on hoarding, and end price controls. These measures have reduced incentives for hoarding and illicit profiteering, while also easing the burden on the Oil Fuel Fund,” he said.
However, he stressed that ending price controls does not amount to full price liberalisation.
The government, he said, continues to provide subsidies through the Oil Fuel Fund at appropriate levels, helping to curb cross-border smuggling and ensure sufficient domestic supply at reasonable prices.
Anutin added that the government is also focusing on the cost of living, particularly for vulnerable groups.
"The Ministry of Commerce has designated 66 controlled goods and is implementing additional measures through the ‘Thai Helps Thai’ and ‘Blue Flag’ shop programmes, which will begin on April 1, to ease daily expenses,” he said. - Bernama
