Fuel prices jump 6 baht as oil fund strain deepens
Diesel prices have jumped by 6 baht per litre, effective from 5am on Thursday, just two days after an earlier increase of about 2 baht per litre. Prices of benzine and gasohol have also risen by 6 baht per litre.
The Oil Fuel Fund Executive Committee resolved on Wednesday to sharply increase retail prices of diesel, benzine and gasohol — including Gasohol 95 and 91, as well as E20 and E85 — by 6 baht per litre, citing tensions in the Middle East.
The committee said the situation has pushed the diesel price in Singapore from US$198.20 per barrel on Monday to US$242.91 per barrel on Wednesday.
It added that the surge in global oil prices has severely affected the Oil Fuel Fund, which is now shouldering an increased financial burden of about 2.592 billion baht per day, or roughly 80 billion baht per month if subsidies are maintained.
The committee said the price increase is also intended to maintain regional price alignment, citing Malaysia, where diesel prices were raised from 32.40 baht per litre to 39.54 baht per litre on March 16.
It added that the government is considering measures to help ease the impact on consumers.
The latest retail prices of fuel, effective Thursday, are:
- Benzine: 49.64 baht per litre
- Gasohol 95: 41.05 baht per litre
- Gasohol 91: 40.68 baht per litre
- Gasohol E20: 36.05 baht per litre
- Gasohol E85: 32.79 baht per litre
- High-speed diesel: 38.94 baht per litre