Thailand Faces Rising Road Freight Costs for Third Consecutive Quarter
The Ministry of Commerce reports a sustained increase in road freight service costs, raising concerns about potential consumer price hikes toward the end of the year.
According to Khaosod Online, the Thai Ministry of Commerce’s Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS) has announced that road freight service costs have risen for the third consecutive quarter. Comparing the third quarter of 2026 to the same period in 2025, the index shows an 11.1% increase, primarily driven by rising global diesel prices and increased transport demand.
Nanthapong Jiralertpong, Director of the OTPS, noted that the surge is particularly significant in the agricultural and fisheries sectors, which saw a 13.4% increase. Industrial products, including electronics, automotive parts, and machinery, also experienced an 11.0% rise in transport costs. Mining-related transport costs increased by 3.8%.
For residents and travelers, this trend is significant as the Ministry of Commerce warns that these elevated logistics costs may exert pressure on the prices of consumer goods as the year draws to a close. The index is expected to remain at a high level in the coming quarter, influenced by global fuel price trends and seasonal demand. While the data confirms a clear upward trajectory in logistics expenses, the specific impact on the final retail price of individual consumer goods remains to be confirmed as market conditions evolve.
