Smaller packets, lower prices
Many small business owners have applied to the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) to reduce packet sizes and prices to help consumers who want to lower their expenses, DIT’s Deputy Director-General, Prayoth Benyasut said on Friday (December 13).
“Most entrepreneurs have requested permission to reduce the product’s size and price. In our view, this does not violate the criteria we have set but we will not allow them to makes packets smaller and sell them for the same price,” he said.
“Entrepreneurs will not increase the product price because the production cost is not high, except for goods which are affected by the sugar tax.”
Meanwhile, DIT’s Director-General, Whichai Phochanakij added that the government has approved gradual increases in the price of granulated sugar price by Bt3-4 per kilogramme .
“The price ex-factory averages Bt17-18 per kilogramme, resulting in an average nationwide retail price of Bt21-22 per kg though some types or sugar cost slightly more,” he said.
“According to our survey conducted in department stores and large retail stores, special promotions on sugar see prices of Bt17-20/kg. When the promotion ends, the price returns to Bt21-22.”
He added that if any entrepreneurs want increase the sugar price, they must first apply to the department.
“If anyone has noticed department stores or markets raise the sugar price, they should submit a complaint at the department’s hotline 1569,” he added.