The fallout from the Middle East war has dragged down the grassroots economy, with soaring oil prices pushing up the cost of "pomfret," a prized product of Samut Prakan, sharply to as much as 100 baht per kilogram. Vendors lament falling sales as customers reluctantly reduce purchase quantities to manage expenses.
On 2 April 2026, reporters surveyed pomfret prices in Phraek Sa Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province, around pomfret shops along Phraek Sa Road near Khlong A Siap alley, a major retail hub. During important festivals like Songkran or New Year, many people usually come to buy pomfret, causing heavy traffic. However, the latest survey found the shopping atmosphere rather quiet, with noticeably fewer consumers.
Ms. Neeranuch Winyupan, 50, owner of "Ole Pomfret" shop, revealed that the cost of pomfret supplied to her store has continuously risen. Prices vary by fish size, increasing by 20, 30, 50 baht, and for the largest size, up to 100 baht per kilogram. This has directly affected businesses, as customers’ purchasing power has clearly decreased.
The shop owner added that although costs have risen, sellers try to keep retail prices from increasing too much to maintain sales. However, product prices mainly depend on wholesale prices. Additionally, other costs like plastic bags for packaging pomfret have risen from 70 baht to 84 baht per kilogram, further burdening sellers’ expenses.
Ms. Praijit Hongtawee, 49, a customer, said she has been affected by the 20-30 baht per kilogram price increase for pomfret. Previously buying in large amounts, she now reduces the quantity, chooses smaller fish, and cuts consumption to save household expenses.
The rising prices of goods correspond with increased energy costs impacted by unrest in the Middle East, causing oil prices to rise and affecting transportation costs across sectors. This has led to higher prices for consumer goods, including pomfret, which is a specialty product of Samut Prakan, pushing prices upward accordingly.