The Ministry of Commerce emphasized that urea fertilizer supplies are sufficient, domestic sale prices have not increased, and ordered strict inspections of stores nationwide to prohibit exploitative price hikes.
Mr. Witthayakorn Maneenetr, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that due to tensions in the Middle East region, the Department of Internal Trade has been closely monitoring the chemical fertilizer situation, since Thailand primarily imports chemical fertilizers. The department has coordinated with the Thai Fertilizer and Agricultural Business Association to track the fertilizer trade within Thailand. They have confirmed that Thailand currently has sufficient chemical fertilizer supplies for domestic use, consistent with fertilizer stock reports submitted by producers and importers to the department according to the Central Committee on Goods and Services Prices (CCGSP) regulations, as chemical fertilizers are controlled goods under the Price of Goods and Services Act.
The Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade added that the latest monitoring shows the chemical fertilizer stock in Thailand remains sufficient, with approximately 1.52 million tons in stock as of January 2026, while average monthly demand is about 0.8 million tons. For urea fertilizer, which is the main raw material accounting for about 36% of total fertilizer use, there is 320,000 tons in stock, equivalent to 6.5 million sacks, enough for over two months of use. Additionally, Thailand is importing about 100,000 tons of urea from Saudi Arabia, equivalent to 2 million sacks, resulting in a total supply of 8.5 million sacks, sufficient for use until August 2026.
Furthermore, Thailand has alternative import channels for chemical fertilizers from sources such as Malaysia and Brunei, which are operating normally. Currently, this will not impact the agricultural production sector, as it is the harvesting season for many key agricultural products like off-season rice and fruits. The main rice planting season has not yet begun.
Mr. Witthayakorn further stated, “Regarding fertilizer prices in the market, those that contain urea are from existing stock acquired before the current situation. Therefore, domestic prices remain at previous levels. However, if the situation persists and global chemical fertilizer costs change, the department will closely monitor the situation and price structures to ensure prices reflect actual costs while minimizing impact on farmers.”
Mr. Witthayakorn emphasized, “We urge the public not to panic or unnecessarily rush to buy or hoard chemical fertilizers. The department has instructed provincial commerce offices nationwide to monitor fertilizer sales fairly to prevent unjustified price increases. The Department of Internal Trade will closely track fertilizer prices and stocks, and if unfair pricing or exploitative price hikes are detected, strict legal action will be taken to ensure fairness for farmers. Offenders face penalties under the Price of Goods and Services Act of 1999, including up to seven years imprisonment, fines up to 140,000 baht, or both. Farmers or the public who experience unfair treatment can report tips or complaints to the department’s hotline at 1569 or their local provincial commerce office for investigation and legal action.”
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