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Thailand’s Prime Minister Office reminded the public on Monday that the government has no control over rising global energy prices, noting that it will propose relief measures to the cabinet next week.
As the United States and allies are exploring a ban on oil imports from Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine, crude oil prices are rallying to its highest level since 2008.
“The fluctuation in prices of global energy, including Ukraine invasion, are out of the government’s control,” said Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana.
“I would like to urge all netizens who are criticizing to understand,” Thanakorn stressed, adding that the capping of domestic diesel prices at 30 baht per litre will continue.
The Energy Policy and Planning Office of the Energy Ministry will hold a meeting this Wednesday to draft measures on energy and will propose to the cabinet for approval on March 15.
Meanwhile, Auttapol Rerkpiboon, chief executive of the national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, said that the company is closely monitoring the situation and planning for crude and refined oil reserves.
PTT is halting diesel exports and is actively procuring more crude oil from abroad to meet future demand amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions, he added.