The Prime Minister responded to the 6-baht fuel price increase, saying it follows market mechanisms. He noted there is a chance of further increases if tensions in the Middle East continue. He assured the public that there will be no fuel shortage, efforts will be made to minimize hardship in the country, and called for collective energy saving.
At 19:22 on 27 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at the Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul gave his first interview following the 6-baht per liter fuel price hike. He said the price adjustment follows market mechanisms. We try to ensure sufficient fuel security domestically. If prices are heavily subsidized, the budget depletes daily. Importantly, if prices are kept too low, fuel leakage to neighboring countries and hoarding increase. We aim to keep prices aligned with global markets. All countries must accept higher fuel prices. Within ASEAN, Thailand ranks among the countries with relatively lower fuel prices, even compared to neighboring countries that produce their own oil, which still have higher fuel costs.
When asked if fuel prices might rise further, Anutin said there is a possibility because tensions in the Middle East remain high. Just recently, reports indicated another closure of the strait. I must ask if this affects Thailand. The situation changes daily. What we have accomplished is ensuring Thailand has no fuel shortages. We can still utilize our capacity to procure crude oil. In a recent meeting, I instructed PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) to procure refined fuel, specifically diesel for export to Laos, by importing from abroad directly to Laos, while retaining domestically refined fuel in Thailand. This enhances public confidence. Previously, selling five million liters daily to Laos posed no issues, but this measure reassures amid a potentially prolonged situation. For refineries not under government control, negotiations are underway to import diesel and transship it to Laos. We agreed on competitive pricing without excessive profit. Crucially, fuel refined within Thailand is preserved domestically, increasing diesel stock for the country.
When asked whether the public can be confident of uninterrupted fuel supply, Anutin said this is assured. Initially, we tried to subsidize prices for 15 days, despite some opinions against subsidies altogether. I believe supporting prices for the first 15 days was necessary to avoid shocks. The public has seen the Middle East situation is not improving, so the possibility of higher fuel prices remains. However, we cannot continue to subsidize fuel prices throughout the conflict.
The Prime Minister said the government is monitoring the Middle East situation and working to minimize hardship domestically. He urged all citizens, sectors, and agencies to cooperate by following energy-saving measures, conserving electricity, working from home, and, if possible, using public transportation. Thailand offers convenient public transport comparable to any country worldwide. He also instructed that during the Songkran Festival, transport services and tour buses prepare fully to accommodate the public.