Bangkok: Preparations are underway to hold a public hearing to add more controlled goods to the list, in response to the soaring oil prices. Supajee revealed plans to use the Joint Committee on Price Control (JCP) mechanism to review the list of controlled goods, and will proceed with public hearings to consider adding essential goods to the list of controlled items. She emphasized that this is a proactive measure should an energy crisis occur. She affirmed that even though the government is gradually adjusting diesel prices within the set ceiling, it is still controlling the prices of consumer goods and essential products.
According to Thai News Agency, Commerce Minister Supachie Suthamphan revealed that the Ministry of Commerce has been closely monitoring the global energy price situation since the conflict erupted in the Middle East. Following the end of the 15-day energy price freeze, the Center for Monitoring and Managing the Conflict in the Middle East (CMC) set a price ceiling for diesel at no more than 33 baht per liter and gradually increased it by 50 satang per liter today. This may affect the cost structure of goods in the future. However, the adjustment of diesel prices within the set ceiling has not yet affected the prices of consumer goods.
The Ministry of Commerce is preparing to use the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (CCPG) to review the list of controlled goods to align with the current situation. A public hearing will also be held to gather public opinion on adding essential goods to the list of controlled items, in order to mitigate the risks from an energy crisis.
Regarding measures to control the cost of living, the Ministry of Commerce has established guidelines for regulating essential goods, especially "controlled goods," as follows: do not adjust the prices of products in the controlled category, businesses wishing to adjust prices must notify the Department of Internal Trade in advance, closely monitor product prices, conduct on-site inspections to prevent price gouging and hoarding of goods, and review the list of additional controlled goods through the Price Control Committee in accordance with the Price Control Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
Controlled products require permission from the Department of Internal Trade if they wish to increase prices. As for products under price monitoring, such as packaged rice, fish sauce, and seasoning sauces, no manufacturers have yet proposed price increases. If prices are to be adjusted, the Ministry will discuss and seek cooperation from manufacturers to maintain prices, as energy costs have not yet increased significantly, Ms. Supajee said.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with manufacturers and businesses, is providing special-priced products to retail and wholesale stores nationwide to alleviate the burden of living costs for the public. They are also organizing sales events offering low-priced goods (Blue Flag programs) in select areas to directly assist the public.
Meanwhile, provincial commerce offices nationwide have been instructed to operate under the mechanism of the Provincial Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (PCPSG), closely monitoring price situations in the field to prevent price gouging and hoarding of goods at the local level.
For the agricultural sector, Thailand currently has sufficient fertilizer stocks until May and is expediting the import of outstanding supplies to ensure a continuous supply until August. The country is also preparing to expand the "Green Flag" project to reduce costs for farmers and promote the use of organic fertilizers to decrease reliance on imports.
Regarding concerns about plastic pellets, a byproduct of oil production, discussions with manufacturers revealed sufficient stock for approximately four months of production. They are also exploring additional import sources from other countries to mitigate future risks.
Ms. Supajee reiterated that although oil prices have begun to gradually increase, government regulatory measures and cost management keep consumer goods prices at controllable levels, and there is no need to raise prices at this time.
If the public encounters unfair sales practices or inappropriate price increases, they can report it to the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569 so that officials can investigate and take strict legal action.