Bangkok: The Ministry of Energy emphasizes the need to urgently manage oil prices to ensure stability. The Ministry of Energy revealed that the retail price of diesel in Thailand is 31.14 baht per liter, lower than neighboring ASEAN countries. It indicated that the ongoing conflict has caused ASEAN member countries to gradually raise prices. The ministry emphasized the need to urgently manage oil prices to stabilize supply and reduce the burden of living costs for the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wacharin Boonrit, Deputy Director of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, discussed the progress of energy and oil prices in response to the conflict. He stated that since the beginning of March, global oil prices have risen significantly. On March 20, 2026, the price of Dubai crude oil reached as high as US$158 per barrel, approximately 122% higher than before the conflict, putting downward pressure on domestic energy prices.
Mr. Wacharin stated that the Ministry of Energy is using funds from the Fuel Oil Fund to subsidize oil prices in order to maintain stable domestic oil prices and allow the public to afford oil at prices that do not significantly impact their cost of living.
Mr. Wacharin cited examples of domestic retail fuel prices, noting that diesel in Thailand is priced at 31.14 baht per liter and E20 gasoline at 33.05 baht per liter. In addition to using the Fuel Fund to stabilize prices, there are measures to promote the use of biofuels such as biodiesel, with the blending ratio adjusted from B5 to B7 to support the use of domestically available energy and reduce reliance on imported oil.
Mr. Wacharin stated that there are also measures to promote the use of gasohol. Currently, the market price of Gasohol 95 and E10 is managed to have a price difference of approximately 5 baht between Gasohol 95 and E20. Therefore, the public will have more incentive to use E20, and increase the proportion of gasohol used in the country as well.
Mr. Wacharin also stated that following the recent conflicts, ASEAN countries have gradually increased retail prices of both gasoline and diesel. For example, Malaysia increased diesel prices by approximately 64% and gasoline by approximately 34%. Vietnam increased diesel by 53% and gasoline by approximately 39%. Singapore, a significant oil producer and distributor in the region, increased diesel by approximately 40% and gasoline by 26%. Indonesia increased diesel by approximately 12% and gasoline by 4%, respectively. The Philippines increased diesel by approximately 73% and gasoline by 53%. Therefore, it is important to note that the current price of diesel in Thailand is approximately 31.14 baht per liter, while in neighboring countries like Malaysia it is around 38-39 baht per liter. Thus, Thailand's retail diesel price is still lower than that of its ASEAN neighbors. The Ministry of Energy continues to focus on managing domestic retail fuel prices to maintain stability, reduce the financial burden on cit izens, and ensure the appropriate management of the Fuel Fund.
Mr. Wacharin added that the Ministry of Energy emphasizes cooperation and invites people from all sectors to conserve energy, which will be a crucial factor in ensuring the security of the country's energy system.