Nong Chang mackerel vendors accept lower profits, maintain previous prices to assist customers, preparing mentally as costs surge to 100 baht per kilogram.
At 07:30 on 2 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters surveyed mackerel prices at Nong Chang Municipal Fresh Market, Nong Chang District, Uthai Thani Province. Following a continuous price increase, some vendors still keep retail prices unchanged despite lower profits to help ease living costs and minimize impact on customers.
When asked, a mackerel vendor revealed that the current cost for a 10-kilogram batch has risen to about 950 baht and may reach 1,000 baht, averaging 100 baht per kilogram. Additionally, daily expenses for fuel and labor range from about 700 to 1,000 baht, causing a noticeable drop in sales profit.
However, the shop continues selling mackerel at the original prices, offering sets at 20 and 30 baht each, even though purchase costs have increased by about 5–10 baht per set. This is due to understanding the public’s burden and concern that raising prices might make it unaffordable for customers. “Costs have gone up, but we still sell at the same prices, accepting lower profits. We just want the shop to survive and customers to still afford to buy, because everyone has expenses these days,” she said.
To sustain selling prices, the shop mixes mackerel purchased at varying prices—some batches higher, some lower—to average costs and maintain steady prices as long as possible. However, if costs continue rising beyond what they can bear, price adjustments may become necessary.