Bangkok: The Department of Energy Business reported that fuel consumption in the first quarter of 2025 averaged 158.67 million liters per day, marking an increase of 1.3% from the previous year. A significant contributor to this rise was the 15.1% growth in commercial aviation fuel (Jet A1) consumption, driven by the expansion of the tourism and service sectors, while the gasoline sector experienced a slowdown due to the increasing adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sarawut Kaewtatip, Director-General of the Department of Energy Business, detailed the fuel consumption patterns for January to March 2025. The consumption of Jet A1 fuel surged by 15.1%, reflecting the growing tourism sector, with 9.55 million foreign tourists visiting Thailand during this period, an increase of 1.9% from the previous year. The LPG consumption rose by 0.3%, and fuel oil saw a 0.9% increase. However, gasoline usage declined by 0.4%, with high-speed diesel at service stations decreasing by 1.5%, and NGV plummeting by 15.1%.
The gasoline sector averaged 31.57 million liters per day, a 0.4% decrease. Within this sector, gasohol 91 and gasohol E20 saw reductions, while gasohol 95 held the highest market share, increasing to 18.96 million liters per day. The price difference between gasohol 95 and gasohol 91 influenced consumer preferences. The shift towards electric vehicles, accounting for 5.97% of private passenger cars, and the expansion of electric trains, with a 5.92% rise in passengers, contributed to the decreased reliance on gasoline.
Diesel fuel consumption at service stations averaged 68.43 million liters per day, a drop of 1.5%. This decline aligns with challenges faced by industrial sectors due to structural problems and international competition. The Bank of Thailand’s economic growth forecast for 2025 was adjusted down to 2.0%, with potential further declines if the trade war intensifies. The IMF also revised Thailand’s GDP forecast down to 1.8%. Basic diesel usage increased slightly to 2.12 million liters per day, while B20 diesel fell to 0.05 million liters per day.
LPG consumption averaged 17.14 million kg per day, a 0.3% increase. Household and industrial consumption rose, while the petrochemical sector and transportation sector saw slight decreases. NGV consumption dropped by 15.1% due to a declining number of registered NGV vehicles and service stations. PTT continues to support public transport groups through a privilege card project despite the rise in NGV retail prices.
Fuel oil imports averaged 1,064,710 barrels per day, a slight decrease of 0.1%, with a total import value of 85,890 million baht per month. Crude oil imports increased by 4.0%, while finished oil imports dropped by 63.6%. On the export front, finished oil exports averaged 150,794 barrels per day, a decrease of 3.7%, with a total export value of 13,204 million baht per month.