Thai energy minister pledges fuel price cuts after protest demands
Akanat Promphan outlined measures to address fuel pricing structures and refining charges, while remaining open to talks with protesters seeking a THB10 cut.
- Thailand's Energy Minister, Akanat Promphan, pledged to lower fuel prices as quickly as possible in response to demands from protesters for a THB10 reduction.
- The pledge follows recent price cuts on various fuels, including E20, B20, and diesel, with further gradual reductions promised for this week.
- Permanent changes to the fuel pricing structure are planned to achieve long-term reductions, including revising refining charges and removing costs tied to Singapore's prices.
- The minister noted that falling global crude oil prices provide a favorable opportunity to implement these price cuts.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan pledged to lower fuel prices as quickly as possible in response to demands for a THB10 reduction across all fuel types from the People’s Revolution Coalition to Protect the Land (NPP), led by Mano Khrueakaew, known as “Kamnan Mano”.
Acknowledging the protesters’ hardship, Akanat said the ministry remained open to proposals and ready for discussions anywhere and at any time.
Other commitments had prevented a personal visit on Monday (November 9, 2026), so his secretary went instead.
The minister cited a diesel price reduction of about THB15 over roughly three months from April to July.
Prices had stood at about THB50 at the start of his tenure in April 2026, before renewed global upheaval later pushed diesel back up to THB43.50.
Last week’s THB10 cuts in E20 and B20 prices had increased consumption, according to Akanat.
B20 use stood at 9–10 million litres a day, or about 20%.
Greater use of these fuels was replacing imported crude oil and helping improve oil palm and sugar cane prices.
Base petrol and diesel prices had also fallen by THB2.
B7 diesel and E20 gasohol had dropped by about the same amount last week, with further gradual reductions to follow this week, the minister said.
Permanent changes to the fuel pricing structure would address what Akanat described as fictitious costs tied to Singapore prices.
Refining charges would be revised and inflated amounts removed.
This work had produced reductions worth more than THB35 billion since April and would continue.
Falling crude oil prices made this a favourable time to act, Akanat added.
There was no need to use Singapore’s refined fuel prices as a reference during the crisis.
The minister also referred to previous approaches involving the Oil Fuel Fund or excise tax.
Addressing fuel prices remained the priority, with the protesters’ proposals reflecting actual conditions, Akanat said.
He was ready to coordinate efforts on other issues and had already discussed the matter with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Commenting on the NPP’s talks with Sondhi Limthongkul, the minister referred to his past as a protest leader but reiterated that discussions should focus on resolving fuel price problems.
