Politics
Thai MP Criticizes Fuel Pricing Mechanism Amid Record Diesel Costs
United Thai Nation Party MP Atavit Suwannapakdee has called for an end to linking Thai diesel prices to Singapore market benchmarks, citing record-high costs.
On September 24, 2026, Atavit Suwannapakdee, a list MP for the United Thai Nation Party, addressed the Thai Parliament regarding the surge in domestic energy prices. He highlighted that diesel prices have reached 41.44 baht per liter, marking an 18-year high.
Atavit argued that the Ministry of Energy’s reliance on Singaporean market benchmarks is no longer appropriate due to extreme price volatility and a breakdown in the pricing mechanism. He compared current figures to 2022, noting that while Dubai crude oil prices remain similar to levels seen then, domestic diesel is now over 6 baht more expensive. He urged the Ministry of Commerce to intervene in daily pricing and warned that the legal window for using the Oil Fuel Fund to subsidize prices is expiring, which could lead to potential legal complications if the current strategy continues.
For residents and travelers, this situation underscores ongoing concerns regarding the cost of living and transportation expenses in Thailand. While the MP has publicly criticized the current policy, it remains to be confirmed whether the government will adjust its pricing methodology or if further legislative action will be taken to address these concerns. The Ministry of Energy has not yet issued a formal response to these specific criticisms.