The Ministry of Energy confirms it will continue measures to cap diesel and gasoline prices, resulting in retail fuel prices in Thailand being cheaper than in other ASEAN countries. It calls on the public to help save energy and maintain the stability of the fund.
On 23 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at the Government House, the Center for Administration and Monitoring of the Middle East Conflict Situation (CMOC) gave its daily briefing. Mr. Watcharin Boonrit, Deputy Director of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, Ministry of Energy, stated that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has clearly pushed global oil prices higher. On 20 Mar, Dubai crude oil prices surged to 158 US dollars per barrel, an increase of 122% compared to before the crisis. This has caused pressure on Thailand's energy prices, especially oil. However, the Ministry of Energy has applied existing measures, such as the Fuel Oil Fund, to stabilize domestic oil prices and prevent volatility, enabling the public to access fuel prices that do not overly affect their cost of living. As of today, retail prices in Thailand stand at 31.14 baht per liter for diesel and 33.5 baht per liter for Gasohol E10.
Mr. Watcharin said that beyond using the Fuel Oil Fund to maintain price levels, the government also promotes the use of biofuels, such as biodiesel, to reduce dependence on imported oil. Regarding domestic oil prices in ASEAN countries, the Ministry of Energy continuously monitors retail prices and finds that ASEAN nations have steadily raised their prices for both gasoline and diesel, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Mr. Watcharin added that a key observation is that Thailand's diesel price is about 31.14 baht per liter, while neighboring countries like Malaysia have diesel prices at 38-39 baht per liter. Therefore, Thailand's retail prices remain lower than those of its ASEAN neighbors. The Ministry of Energy will manage retail prices to ensure stability and reduce citizens' expenses while maintaining appropriate stability of the Fuel Oil Fund. He also invited the public to conserve energy, which plays an important role in strengthening the country's energy security.