Mr. Chanthaphat Panjamanon, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, stated that the department has closely monitored the prices of raw materials and plastic packaging products. In March 2026, conflicts in the Middle East caused volatility in energy prices, especially natural gas and crude oil, and disruptions in transporting raw materials through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting the global petrochemical industry and plastic resin production.
Tracking prices of plastic resins PE, PP, and PET revealed that in March 2026, resin prices rose 27–58% compared to February 2026, with HDPE up 31%, PP up 50%, and PET up 58%. This caused higher production costs for manufacturers of plastic packaging and consumer goods. However, the situation began to improve in May 2026 as global crude oil prices dropped and transport through the Strait of Hormuz normalized, leading resin prices to decline. Importers increased resin imports by over 39% to meet domestic demand, ensuring adequate raw material supply and reducing price pressures.
Monitoring the plastic packaging market shows key products—such as plastic food containers, hot-cold plastic bags, handle bags, and garbage bags—remain sufficiently available and have started to see price reductions. As of 17 June 2026, prices of some plastic packaging items dropped about 2–6 baht per kilogram: hot-cold plastic bags decreased from 47 to 42 baht per kilogram (11% drop), handle bags from 51 to 45 baht (12% drop), and garbage bags from 42 to 40 baht (5% drop). Additionally, the Department of Internal Trade has exercised its authority under the Price of Goods and Services Act by placing plastic resins and packaging under the close supervision of the Central Committee on Goods and Services Prices. They continuously monitor costs, stock levels, production, imports, and sales, coordinating with manufacturers, importers, and businesses at all levels to prevent hoarding and unjustified price increases. This has ensured sufficient resin and packaging supply domestically without shortages. As raw material and energy costs ease, businesses have been able to steadily reduce selling prices, benefiting both companies and consumers.
Local business operators report similar trends, noting that packaging prices have gradually decreased following lower raw material costs. A packaging vendor at Tha Phaet market in Nonthaburi Province said that recently, packaging prices have significantly dropped, with some items reduced by 200–300 baht per box, especially food containers and plastic cups, which have fallen by about 100–200 baht. Despite stable customer order volumes—since restaurants and businesses use these products daily—factories continue to supply goods reliably. Vendors are ready to adjust prices downward in line with any further reductions in factory costs.
“The Department of Internal Trade will continue to monitor plastic resin and packaging prices to ensure that reductions in raw material costs are appropriately reflected in retail prices, benefiting both businesses and consumers. We expect plastic packaging prices to continue declining as global energy and resin prices return to more normal levels,” said Mr. Chanthaphat.
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