Buriram Business Operators Criticize Fuel Pricing Strategy
Local entrepreneurs in Buriram argue that recent price cuts for E20 and B20 fuels fail to address the core economic burden caused by high diesel costs.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, business operators in Buriram province are expressing significant concern over the current fuel pricing structure. Mana Hansuwan, a 46-year-old contractor specializing in land filling and rice harvesting, stated that the price of diesel, which has climbed to nearly 45 baht per liter, is severely impacting operational costs.
For contractors, diesel is a critical expense for heavy machinery. A single rice harvester requires approximately 70 liters of fuel per fill, often needing to be refueled twice daily. Additionally, transport vehicles require hundreds of liters to maintain operations. Mr. Hansuwan noted that while fuel costs have surged, contractors are unable to pass these expenses on to farmers, who are already facing their own financial difficulties. Consequently, many operators are absorbing the costs, leading to a significant reduction in profit margins.
Local business owners argue that government efforts to reduce prices for E20 and B20 fuels do not provide meaningful relief, as the majority of the workforce relies on diesel. For residents and those working in the agricultural sector, this situation highlights a growing economic strain. It remains to be confirmed whether the government will consider further adjustments to diesel pricing or implement additional support measures to alleviate the burden on local industries.
