Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, has confirmed that diesel prices will see an increase starting tomorrow. This announcement comes in the wake of a pressing fuel shortage at gas stations, primarily attributed to increased competition for refueling space from the industrial sector. This situation has arisen after jobbers, who typically supply fuel, ceased deliveries due to the financial risks involved.

According to Thai News Agency, Pipat addressed the media following a meeting of the Center for Monitoring and Managing the Conflict in the Middle East (CMA), where he discussed the ongoing energy crisis. He stated that prices for all fuel types, including gasoline E10, E20, E85, and B7, have been announced, with further increases expected at refinery and depot levels. Notably, B7 prices will be adjusted upwards gradually.

The Deputy Prime Minister also introduced B10 as a new product, indicating that service stations may require additional time to accommodate it. Meanwhile, B20, which was previously available, will be sold wholesale to sectors such as transportation, industry, agriculture, and construction. This fuel will not be retailing at service stations and is intended for larger vehicles, including 10-wheelers, 18-wheelers, and 22-wheelers.

Pipat elaborated on the challenges faced by jobbers, who have been unable to sell fuel to various industrial sectors due to refinery prices being slightly higher than gas station prices. This price disparity, combined with the transportation costs and risks of fuel loss, has deterred jobbers from making deliveries. Consequently, some industrial sectors have resorted to refueling at gas stations, competing with jobbers for the limited supply.

He further explained that the cessation of fuel sales by jobbers to industrial sectors has led to chaos, with various vehicles and industries scrambling to secure fuel from gas stations. This has resulted in sporadic stockouts, affecting multiple fuel brands and products at different times.

Additionally, the Ministry's oil formulation process will incorporate Thai farmers' products to bolster agricultural commodity prices, with a particular focus on maintaining the price of palm oil at 7 baht per kilogram.