Energy minister wants government subsidy for diesel fuel

Thailand’s Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul plans to ask the Finance Ministry to subsidize diesel fuel by 1-2 baht (US$0.03-US$0.06) per liter, as local diesel fuel prices may surpass the 30 baht (US$0.93) per liter threshold as a result of the recent spike in global oil prices, The Nation reports. Oil prices have risen above US$80 per barrel on the back of the global economic recovery. If it remains above US$80, domestic diesel fuel prices could exceed 30 baht (US$0.93) per liter, said the minister. He noted that the Oil Fund is now providing partial subsidy for diesel fuel, as well as for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas for vehicle (NGV). (April 12, 2010)