The Department of Internal Trade emphasized that bottled palm oil prices have not increased, closely monitoring the situation from production to retail to prevent exploitation of consumers. It is preparing to review control measures on regulated products to align with the current situation and ensure appropriate enforcement.
Mr. Wittayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that despite reports of price increases for bottled palm oil due to higher demand—partly because some crude palm oil is being diverted for biodiesel production under government policy to alleviate rising fuel costs—close monitoring of production volume, stock levels, and prices shows that current retail prices remain stable.The price stands at 42–50baht per bottle. Coordination with producers, wholesale and retail stores, as well as trade associations, confirms that there has been no price increase for bottled palm oil. The government continues to closely monitor the entire price structure, from production facilities and extraction plants to refinery and retail prices, to prevent commercial exploitation.
Bottled palm oil is a controlled product under the announcement of the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (CCPGS) according to the Price of Goods and Services Act, B.E. 2542 (1999). The Department of Internal Trade, as secretary of the CCPGS, holds supervisory authority and can propose appropriate measures to maintain balance among production costs, farmers' incomes, and consumers' living expenses. The department will expedite reviewing additional measures for controlled products to ensure price supervision is appropriate and consistent with the situation.
“The department requests cooperation from operators to refrain from unjustified price increases on goods and services. We urge the public not to panic and to trust that the department is closely monitoring the situation. Should anyone observe excessive pricing, hoarding, or refusal to sell products, they can report details and locations via hotline 1569 or any provincial commerce office nationwide for strict legal action,” he said.
Mr. Wittayakorn added that Thailand currently holds about 350,000 tons of crude palm oil (CPO) stock, sufficient for domestic management. It is expected that from April to July, new seasonal palm oil production will enter the system at no less than 400,000 tons per month. Combined with existing stock, this supply will adequately meet consumption needs both for households and the energy sector, including B7 and B10 biodiesel blends under government policy. This ensures overall product volume remains balanced and helps sustain favorable palm fruit prices.
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