Energy Minister says diesel price crisis is nearly overThe high retail price of diesel is set to fall soon, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said yesterday. "From about 25 baht per litre late last year, the average retail price of diesel has already surpassed 30 baht, which last month prompted the government's committee on energy policy management to begin subsidising the diesel price in a bid to keep it no higher than 30 baht per litre," Mr Supattanapong said. Aside from using Oil Fund mechanisms to keep the diesel price low, the government has also asked for cooperation from oil retailers to reduce their margins, he said. The diesel price subsidy using the Oil Fund will initially last no later than next year, he said. As for distorted information regarding the government's handling of diesel prices being spread online against the government, Mr Supattanapong said the Energy Ministry is considering taking legal action against those moving behind these malicious rumours.
