BANGKOK – Drivers across Thailand woke up to higher gas prices on July 23 as local energy authorities adjusted pump rates upward. The Fuel Fund Executive Committee approved a 90-satang hike per liter across most major petrol and diesel products to handle soaring global costs.
The sharp price increase came into effect at 5:00 AM on Thursday following an emergency decision by energy officials. Escalating military actions in the Middle East have disrupted key maritime shipping routes, driving up freight fees and global crude prices. Consequently, local fuel distributors were forced to pass part of these international cost increases directly to Thai consumers.
Key Takeaways
- Widespread Price Hike: Retail prices for standard petrol, gasohol, and diesel increased by 0.90 baht per liter across Thailand starting July 23.
- Global Conflict Pressures: Escalating fighting in the Middle East and shipping disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz sent international benchmark oil prices surging.
- Subsidies Adjusted: Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund restructured its financial support to manage an intense daily subsidy burden exceeding 651 million baht.
Why Thai Drivers Are Paying More for Gas?
Middle East supply routes face growing threats, especially after Iran confirmed plans to close the vital Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, intensified blockade threats by Yemen’s Houthi movement in the Red Sea forced oil tankers onto longer sea journeys. According to reporting by The Nation, these extra shipping days quickly inflated transport costs and pushed regional benchmark gas prices higher.
Under the new pricing scale, standard high-speed diesel and gasohol 95 both jumped to 36.69 baht per liter. Gasohol 91 rose to 36.32 baht, while eco-friendly blend gasohol E20 and diesel B20 climbed to 31.69 baht per liter. Meanwhile, regular unleaded petrol reached 45.68 baht per liter, whereas gasohol E85 increased to 27.63 baht per liter.
These updated pump rates reflect base prices across the country, though local maintenance taxes in Bangkok remain separate. Interestingly, major oil distributors decided to keep premium fuel products excluded from this specific 90-satang retail price increase. Therefore, drivers using premium-grade options will not see immediate changes in their regular fill-up costs today.
Government Urges Energy Conservation
Global gas and oil markets reacted swiftly to recent shipping disruptions and geopolitical instability across the Middle East. Singapore benchmark prices reached $163.59 per barrel for diesel and $124.92 per barrel for petrol on July 22. These record figures placed immense pressure on Thailand’s state-managed Oil Fuel Fund, which helps soften global price shocks.
Before the rate adjustment, the national fund carried an overwhelming daily subsidy burden of more than 651 million baht. To keep the support fund operational, officials adjusted specific subsidy levels across different fuel types. For instance, the subsidy on standard high-speed diesel was raised by 0.78 baht to reach 8.57 baht per liter.
Energy authorities emphasized that modifying the subsidy rates was necessary to maintain long-term national energy security. By allowing pump prices to rise slightly, the fund can continue absorbing extreme market fluctuations without complete exhaustion. Officials noted that protecting energy stability remains a top priority during periods of international conflict.
The Fuel Fund Executive Committee appealed directly to the public for cooperation and understanding during this challenging economic time. Government spokespersons urged motorists to reduce unnecessary travel and practice energy-saving habits whenever possible. Conserving fuel helps ease financial stress on individual households while strengthening national energy reserves for the future.
