Diesel excise tax waiver extended
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The Cabinet on Tuesday resolved to extend the diesel excise tax waiver by another month, to end-April, in its bid to control the increase in cost of living.
Deputy Government Spokesman Pakdihan Himathongkham said that this would lead to a loss of excise tax revenue by another Bt9 billion.
Thailand consumes some 50 million litres of diesel per day.
The waiver of Bt5.30 per litre was first imposed in April 2011.
In Asia, oil prices on Tuesday fell to near US$107 a barrel, slipping from close to 10-month highs ahead of new data on the US economy. Data on US housing and jobless claims later this week is likely to provide fresh cues for the oil market.
Diesel is retailed in Bangkok at Bt32.33 per litre.
Several transport companies are planning to raise fares, saying that higher oil prices are pushing their operating cost.
