Energy Minister Atthapol emphasized adjusting the price gap between E20 and Gasoline 95 to 3 baht per liter to encourage greater use of E20. He called on the public to help the nation save electricity by setting air conditioners to 26-27 degrees Celsius and urged rapid implementation of stepwise energy-saving measures.
10 Mar 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Atthapol Rerkpiboon, Minister of Energy, gave an interview at the Government House regarding the announcement of the gasoline price increase. He said the government's measure is to freeze diesel prices for 15 days. For gasoline, the Oil Fuel Fund will provide partial support, and traders will adjust prices accordingly, so there may be some price fluctuations. The reason gasoline prices moved on 9 Mar 2026 is because the Oil Fund created a differential in support among various types of gasoline.
For gasoline types E10, containing 10% ethanol, and E20, containing 20% ethanol, previously the Oil Fund supported E20 1 baht more than E10. On 9 Mar, the Oil Fund increased the support differential to 2 baht to create a price gap that traders will reflect as: an increase of Gasohol 95 by 50 satang and a decrease of E20 by 50 satang. This changes the retail price difference between these two fuels from 2 baht to 3 baht, serving as an incentive to use more E20. He urged the public to switch to E20 as much as possible. This aims to reduce the proportion of base gasoline use and increase the use of domestically produced biofuels. Meanwhile, diesel specifications have been adjusted from B5 to B7 to increase the use of biodiesel made from palm oil.
Regarding the energy-saving measures to be presented at today's Cabinet meeting, Mr. Atthapol revealed that the measures will be phased. Currently, the government is requesting cooperation to raise air conditioner temperatures to 26-27 degrees Celsius. When not necessary, people should avoid wearing ties or suits, except when receiving important guests. They should save lighting, turn off lights during lunch breaks, increase work from home, and check vehicle engine conditions. The government has asked vendors to offer some free engine inspection programs to save energy and to change engine oil on schedule. These are campaign measures, with mandatory enforcement planned in the future, depending on timing. .