Thailand extends 2.40-baht ex-refinery diesel discount until September 15

Thailand’s Energy Policy Administration Committee (EPAC) has approved a further reduction of 2.40 baht per litre in the ex-refinery price of high-speed diesel for 31 days, from August 16 to September 15, 2026.

The measure, worth approximately 4.475 billion baht, will use excess gains generated by oil refining to help ease the public’s cost-of-living burden.

The decision was made at an EPAC meeting chaired by Energy Minister Akanat Promphan on August 11.

This is the sixth time excess refining gains have been used to reduce fuel costs, bringing the cumulative value of assistance provided under the measure to about 17.422 billion baht.

Global oil market remains volatile

Ekanat explained that the global oil market remained highly uncertain from July into early August 2026.

Crude oil and refined petroleum product prices could move in different directions because of constraints on refining capacity and supplies of refined products in some regions.

The transportation of oil through the Strait of Hormuz also remained a major factor influencing crude prices, contributing to continued volatility in refining margins.

Data collected from Thailand’s six oil refiners showed that excess refining gains totalled approximately 9.735 billion baht between July 1 and 31.

Of that amount, around 2.815 billion baht was used to provide an ex-refinery price discount under a previous EPAC resolution adopted on July 23, leaving approximately 6.92 billion baht available.

Ekanat said the government was committed to ensuring that excess gains generated during periods of high refining margins were used to benefit the public, particularly while energy prices remained volatile.

However, he added that any intervention must also reflect market conditions and ensure fairness for all parties.

B0, B7 and B20 prices to be reduced

EPAC agreed to use part of the remaining 6.92 billion baht in excess refining gains from July to provide an additional discount on high-speed diesel.

The ex-refinery prices of B0, B7 and B20 high-speed diesel will be reduced by 2.40 baht per litre for 31 days, from August 16 to September 15.

The discount will use approximately 4.475 billion baht, leaving about 2.445 billion baht for future management.

“We want the gains generated when refining margins are high to be returned to the public to help reduce household energy expenses,” Ekanat said.

“At the same time, the government will continue to closely monitor oil prices, refining costs and the components of ex-refinery prices to ensure that management remains appropriate and fair to all sectors.”