Truckers to raise haulage charges by 10% from April 1

The road haulage group, the Federation of Land Transport of Thailand, has resolved to roll out phased increases in its charges of up to 30%, starting on April 1, to offset rising operating costs driven by a 6 baht-per-litre increase in diesel prices.

The federation’s president, Thongyu Khongkhan, said today that the increases will begin with a 10% rise on April 1. Charges will then be raised by a further 15% on a date yet to be set, depending on diesel prices at the time, followed by an additional 5%.

He said road hauliers do not want to add to the growing financial burden on consumers, but have no alternative, warning that without the increase, the country’s road haulage network could come to a complete standstill.

Thongyu also said hauliers will not switch to B20 diesel, as it is unsuitable for trucks and could damage engines, leading to higher maintenance costs.

The federation called for a complete overhaul of the energy pricing structure, which it described as unfair, and for the replacement of the Joint Management and Monitoring Centre for the Situation in the Middle East, chaired by Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

It is also urging the government to impose a windfall tax on oil refineries.