The Lao government will provide fuel importers with a Letter of Credit worth US$200 million (7.1 billion baht) for the purchase of fuel to meet the nation’s needs for the next two months, Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone told the National Assembly on Thursday.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) reported Saturday a 7-year high of 3.266 U.S. dollars per gallon for gasoline nationwide this week. "Global economic uncertainty and supply chain concerns caused by the lingering COVID-19 pandemic could be playing a role in keeping crude oil prices elevated," said AAA spokesperson.