Fuel tariff hike on hold to stop power price surge

Perfect Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met with the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission on Monday and it was agreed that a hike in the fuel tariff planned for this month would be put on hold until September, authorities spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday.

Brand new fuel tariff increases are now planned to begin from September till December, so the relevant government agencies have been assigned to find ways in order to subsidise electricity bills whenever possible, particularly for households and vulnerable populations, Mr Thanakorn mentioned.

Gasoline tariff subsidy measures will later become forwarded to the cabinet for approval, this individual said.

“The prime minister is extremely worried about the particular possible impact associated with raising the fuel tariff on consumers, ” he stated.

“So the government is currently attempting its very best to be able to cushion the foreseen impact if the goes up become unavoidable, ” Mr Thanakorn added.

The planned rises have already been blamed on higher energy prices following sanctions imposed with the United States and its allies on Russia right after its invasion associated with Ukraine in February.

The newest fuel tariff has been earlier expected to increase to 4. 72 baht per kilowatt hour, up from the rate of four baht between Might and August.