Bangkok, “Piraphan” reveals that the Cabinet has agreed to reduce energy prices as a New Year’s gift in 2024, fixing diesel at no more than 30 baht for another 3 months, discussing with the Ministry of Finance the renewal of the tax reduction, emphasizing that it is only a short-term measure. Prepare to dismantle the law Adjust the price structure of all types of energy Be fair to all parties Piloting the adjustment of natural gas price structure
Mr. Peeraphan Saleerathaviphak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Said after the Cabinet meeting today (19 Dec. ’23) that the meeting resolved to reduce the burden of expenses for the people. To reduce suffering from high energy prices As proposed by the Ministry of Energy Fix the price of diesel fuel not to exceed 30 baht per liter for a period of 3 months, effective from 1 January – 31 March 2024. The Ministry of Energy will consult with the Ministry of Finance on price management. Use the mechanisms of excise taxes and fuel funds.
As for the price of cooking gas, the meeting resolved to fix the price at 423 baht per 15-kilogram tank for a period of 3 months, effective from 1 January – 31 March 2024, administered through the Fuel Fund mechanism.
As for measures to reduce the burden of electricity costs, the meeting resolved to adjust the price structure of natural gas. According to the proposal of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and according to the resolution of the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) on December 13, 2023, and has been assigned to the relevant agencies, namely the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. (EGAT) will accept the burden of accumulated outstanding funds (AF) for the period January – April 2024 on behalf of the people who use electricity for the time being. As for PTT Public Company Limited, there will be a review of assumptions on the quantity and price of natural gas. Used to calculate electricity rates in accordance with the current situation. And there will be a discount on natural gas prices of 4,300 million baht from the lack of natural gas delivery in the Gulf of Thailand for producers (Shortfall) at the end of 2021 continuing until the beginning of 2022 to help reduce the price of natural gas in this round as well.
From all such measures This will cause the electricity bill for January – April 2024 to be no more than 4.20 baht per unit, and those who use electricity not more than 300 units per month will receive an additional discount of 21 satang, which is approximately 17 million households. Electricity will be paid at the old rate of 3.99 baht per unit. This part will use the central budget for administration, expected to cost approximately 1,950 million baht.
‘In the past, the price of natural gas imported from abroad was high. Natural gas from domestic sources still cannot be produced as planned due to changes in concessionaires. In addition, the prolonged external war and clean energy Both wind energy solar energy that exists in the current system It still has high costs. All of them have an impact on the cost of electricity, and in the past, EGAT has always received assistance in bearing some of the burden of electricity costs. Including estimating the price of natural gas to be at an appropriate, fair level, reducing the burden of energy costs today. It is only a short-term measure. Now it is in the process of dismantling the law. Various regulations To be modern appropriate to the situation People must receive maximum benefits. There will be no noise that the Ministry of Energy favors energy capital groups,’ Mr. Peeraphan said.
Source: Thai News Agency