Udon thani: High fuel prices are impacting the cost of goods in Thailand, particularly ice and rice noodles, which are in high demand during the Songkran festival. Ice prices have risen by 5 baht per sack and rice noodles by 1 baht per kilogram, primarily due to increased costs of plastic bags and baskets, as well as a shortage of plastic pellets.

According to Thai News Agency, a visit to an ice factory in Non Suang Subdistrict, Mueang District, revealed the price of ice has increased from 35 to 40 baht per sack. The factory, relying on diesel-powered trucks for transportation, employs 40 workers and produces between 1,500 and 4,000 sacks of ice per day. With the hot weather boosting demand, production is expected to peak at 3,000-4,000 sacks daily during Songkran. The deputy manager noted that diesel prices surpassing 50 baht per liter have forced a price hike to offset additional expenses, with mixed reactions from customers.

In Kamphaeng Phet Province, a rice noodle factory in Thep Nakhon Subdistrict is striving to meet the heightened demand for noodles during the festival. The factory owner expressed concerns about this year's sales, given the uncertainty caused by rising fuel costs. Despite the increased cost of production, including transportation and materials like noodle baskets and plastic bags, the factory is limiting the price increase to 1 baht per kilogram to remain consumer-friendly. The shortages and rising costs of plastic products are compounding these challenges, with further price hikes expected.