Eknat is ready to listen to protesters and accelerate oil price reductions as quickly as possible, affirming that this round will address structural problems, including phantom costs tied to Singapore prices.
At 10:30 a.m. on 10 Nov 2026 GMT+7 at the Government House, Energy Minister Eknat Prompan spoke about the demands from the People's Revolutionary Front (NPP) led by Mano Krueakaew, or “Kamnan Mano,” calling for a 10-baht cut on all oil prices. He acknowledged and understood the hardships, saying his duty is to achieve this and that he will reduce oil prices as fast as possible. He has tried every mechanism to lower energy prices. When asked about prior talks between ministry officials and protesters, Eknat said they have coordinated to receive information and demands, always ready to listen. He is willing to meet and discuss anytime, anywhere. He had planned to attend in person on 9 Nov but was tied up with other duties, so he sent his secretary to talk with them. Last week, the government cut E20 and B20 fuel prices as well as base gasoline and diesel prices by 2 baht. Moving forward, mechanisms will be used to reduce prices and mitigate impacts as quickly as possible.
When asked when the 10-baht price cut would happen, the minister said that previously, between April and July, it took about three months to reduce prices by around 15 baht. Last week, a 10-baht reduction was implemented for E20 and B20 fuels, which increased their usage — for example, B20 consumption reached 9-10 million liters per day, about 20%. This helps replace imported crude oil and improves palm oil and sugar prices. However, the current demand concerns B7 diesel and E20 gasoline, which were reduced by about 2 baht last week and will be reduced further this week. The ministry will strive to achieve this as fast as possible.
Preparing to solve problems at the structural level.
When asked whether diesel prices would be reduced stepwise or drop 10 baht at once, Eknat said he will try all means to achieve the fastest result, emphasizing he will not use every method indiscriminately. He confirmed that this round will address structural issues, such as phantom costs linked to Singapore prices, and will correct excessive refining fees, removing them where appropriate. These efforts have been ongoing since April, reducing expenses by over 35 billion baht and continuing steadily. This is an opportune time as crude oil prices are declining, so there is no need to consider Singapore refined oil prices during this crisis. These are permanent measures, not temporary. When asked if the protesters’ demands relate to energy prices or political factors in the area, Eknat said he focuses on oil issues. The protesters’ demand is simply for a 10-baht cut on all oil types, nothing complicated. However, if other issues arise, he is ready to coordinate and address them and has already discussed this with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
When pressed whether the NPP meeting with Sondhi Limthongkul would complicate demands with other issues, Eknat responded, “Are you asking me as a minister or as a former protest leader?” He preferred to focus on his role in solving oil price problems. He said the protesters’ proposals reflect real issues, and he is trying to deliver results.