In a bid to address the challenges posed by the escalating diesel prices, a truckers’ association in the Northeast region is set to organize a convoy of trucks next week to urge the government to stabilize the diesel price at 30 baht per liter.
Somkid Kingkrodklang, a transport company owner and the chairman of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand in the Northeast, highlighted the severe impacts faced by transport businesses in the region due to the continuous surge in diesel prices.
While B7 diesel was priced at 32.94 baht per liter on Wednesday, Mr. Somkid emphasized that the current rate remains burdensome. He urged the government to cap the price at 30 baht to sustain businesses.
Mr. Somkid emphasized that the rise in diesel prices has a ripple effect on the prices of various commodities, leading to increased costs for businesses. If diesel prices continue to climb, entrepreneurs will struggle to cope with the heightened expenses.
Despite lodging complaints with the authorities on three separate occasions, the federation’s concerns have gone unaddressed, according to Mr. Somkid. Consequently, members of the federation will gather in Nakhon Ratchasima and stage a protest convoy involving 100 trucks on Tuesday, subsequently heading to Bangkok the following day to unite with other convoys from diverse regions.
This combined convoy comprising 400 trucks intends to occupy solely one traffic lane to prevent road disruptions, Mr. Somkid confirmed.
In response to the planned protest convoy, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga advised the Land Transport Federation of Thailand to halt their protest preparations, citing efforts to introduce a bill altering the diesel price calculation method, which could potentially lead to price reductions.
Furthermore, reports suggest that escalating diesel costs are impacting shops, businesses, and transportation companies, given the heavy reliance on diesel for product deliveries. Consequently, some businesses may adjust their prices in the foreseeable future to offset rising operational expenses.
